ATAQ, Shabwah (Southeast Yemen) - Ataq International Airport in Shabwah province welcomed its first flight on Sunday, September 1st, 2024, marking the resumption of air travel to the region after a multi-year hiatus.

The inaugural flight, operated by a plane belonging to the Belgian organization Doctors Without Borders, landed at Ataq Airport from Aden International Airport. The aircraft, carrying medical supplies for the Ataq General Maternity and Child Hospital, was greeted by the Deputy Governor of Shabwah, Fahd Al-Khaleefi, and the Director General of Ataq Airport, Salem Hamed.

Shabwah Governor Awad bin Al-Wazir expressed his delight at the reopening of Ataq International Airport, highlighting the significance of the first flight after years of inactivity. He expressed hope for the resumption of air travel to the airport by all international organizations, emphasizing the importance of the airport's strategic location in serving neighboring provinces.

Governor bin Al-Wazir further expressed his aspirations for the establishment of both domestic and international flights to and from Ataq Airport, now fully equipped to handle air travel.

Ataq International Airport had been closed for seven years before a brief resumption of flights in June 2022. However, the airport was quickly shut down again after being targeted by ballistic missiles launched by the Houthis.

The reopening of Ataq International Airport signifies a positive development for the region, offering renewed access and connectivity for Shabwah province and its surrounding areas.