Barran Press
Yemenia Airways, the national carrier of Yemen, stated on Tuesday that Israeli airstrikes targeting Sana'a International Airport resulted in the destruction of three aircraft from its fleet, holding the Houthi group "fully responsible for these losses."
In a statement released by the company, which has its main headquarters in the interim capital of Aden,” Yemenia Airways identified the destroyed aircraft as models (A320-AFA, A320-AFC, A330-AFE). The airline said these planes had been grounded at Sana'a Airport since their seizure by the Houthis in June 2024.
The company expressed deep regret over the destruction of its three aircraft, emphasizing that this "exacerbates the company's challenges and represents a significant and devastating loss." Yemenia highlighted the crucial role these aircraft played in alleviating the humanitarian suffering of the Yemeni people by providing international transportation links.
Yemenia Airways asserted that it had "repeatedly warned against the Houthis' continued hijacking and detention of the aircraft in Sana'a." The company explained that it had communicated through official channels, demanding the release of the seized aircraft and permission for them to depart to Aden Airport or any other safe international airport to ensure their safety. Furthermore, Yemenia stated it had demanded that the company not be involved in political and military conflicts.
In a separate development, Yemenia Airways announced in a memo to its agents the suspension of all flights to and from Sana'a International Airport until further notice. The airline instructed agents to cease booking or issuing tickets for passengers traveling from Amman Airport to Sana'a Airport until further notice and to inform their clients of this decision.
Earlier on Tuesday, Israeli airstrikes had targeted Sana'a International Airport, hitting civilian aircraft, runways, and the passenger terminal. Other strikes targeted the al-Dailami airbase, the Dhahban and Haziz power stations, the Asr distribution station, and the Amran cement factory.
According to local sources in Sana'a, the airport was rendered out of service after approximately 15 airstrikes targeted the runway, terminals, and the aircraft held by the Houthi group, as well as the adjacent al-Dailami airbase. Locl sources reported the destruction of two Yemenia aircraft on the airport tarmac.
Following the airstrikes, the Israeli military stated that its operation had completely disabled Sana'a International Airport. The military added that its forces had struck several power stations in the vicinity of Sana'a, as well as the Amran cement factory, which it claimed the Houthis were using to construct tunnels and military infrastructure.