Barran Press
Sana'a International Airport Director Khaled Al-Shaif confirmed on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, that the Saudi-led Arab coalition has halted all flights to and from the airport since the Houthi group, internationally designated as a terrorist organization, seized Yemenia Airlines planes a week ago.
According to Houthi-affiliated media outlets, Al-Shaif accused the Arab coalition of "using Yemenia Airlines as a tool for the blockade," noting that "stopping flights to and from Sana'a airport is causing a major humanitarian catastrophe."
Commenting on the suspension of ticket issuance and bookings from Sana'a, Al-Shaif said, "This comes within the context of the blockade and depriving Yemenis of their right to travel."
On June 26, 2024, Yemenia Airlines apologized to Hajj pilgrims for its inability to transport them to the Yemeni capital Sana'a due to the Houthis holding four of its planes.
In a statement regarding the plane seizure, seen by Bran Press, the company confirmed that the Houthi group, internationally designated as a terrorist organization, had "seized four Yemenia planes at Sana'a International Airport." The company described this act as a "threat to the safety of air navigation in the country" and said it "increases the difficulty of operating flights to and from within the country."
Subsequently, on June 28, the Presidential Leadership Council formed a government committee headed by Prime Minister Ahmed bin Mubarak to manage the crisis of the Houthis' seizure of Yemenia Airlines planes, which were transporting pilgrims to Sana'a International Airport.
According to the official Saba news agency, the government committee's mission includes "restricting the group's use of the hijacked planes until further notice, including the release of the plane that has been held for two months, and lifting the ban on the company's frozen assets, which exceed $100 million."
The Presidential Leadership Council considered the Houthis' hijacking of Yemenia Airlines planes, which are financially and administratively independent, "a full-fledged terrorist act, adding to their serious violations that have targeted national and foreign air and sea carriers over the past years," according to the agency.
The council held the Houthi group fully responsible for the consequences of this "dangerous" escalation, which it said would "further deepen the suffering of citizens, affect the operation of the national carrier, and cause it heavy losses."