Khaled Abdul-Latif, the director of Al-Mokha International Airport, revealed the reasons behind the delays in the airport's operations, which was officially inaugurated by the internationally recognized Yemeni government in April 2024 in Taiz Province, southwestern Yemen.

In an exclusive statement to Barran Press, Abdul-Latif attributed the delay to the tardiness in receiving approval from the Yemeni Prime Minister's office and directives permitting Yemenia Airlines to commence flights from the airport.

He also discussed efforts by Council member Tarek Saleh to establish a competitive national airline, facilitating flights to and from the airport to various destinations.

Abdul-Latif emphasized the airport's significant role in alleviating travel difficulties for passengers, as it serves as a new destination for Yemenia Airlines in Taiz City following the closure of Taiz International Airport under Houthi control for the past decade.

He noted that Al-Mokha International Airport had officially announced its readiness to receive flights from various locations two years after its establishment, following the Houthi closure of Taiz International Airport in 2015.

On April 5, 2024, the Yemeni government officially opened Al-Mokha Airport to incoming and outgoing flights after completing all necessary preparations. The General Authority for Civil Aviation and Meteorology in Aden, Yemen's temporary capital, announced the airport's operational readiness and classified it as Category G, functioning from dawn to dusk.

The authority encouraged all airlines and international organizations operating in Yemen to take advantage of the services offered by Al-Mokha Airport, which has now achieved full technical and administrative readiness, receiving its international code (OYMK) from the International Civil Aviation Organization.