Barran Press
Yemen's government has accused the Houthi group of responsibility for the destruction of three Yemenia Airways planes – half its fleet – in recent Israeli strikes on Sana'a Airport. The Transportation Ministry stated the Houthis' illegal seizure of the aircraft caused the loss, as the planes were grounded there since June/July 2024 while serving Hajj pilgrims. The ministry regretted the loss, saying it could have been avoided if the Houthis had allowed the planes to relocate. They also demanded the return of a surviving plane in Jordan.
Meanwhile, Reuters cited aviation insurance sources reporting the destroyed aircraft were uninsured and had been parked in Sana'a for months. Price Forbes reportedly handles Yemenia's coverage, and a brokerage source indicated the lack of insurance means "no immediate impact."
Yemenia Airways confirmed the destruction of the three aircraft (models A320-AFA, A320-AFC, A330-AFE), emphasizing the significant blow to its operations and humanitarian role. The airline said it had repeatedly warned against the Houthis' seizure and demanded the planes' release to Aden or another safe airport, urging neutrality in the conflict, but these requests were ignored.
The May 6 Israeli airstrikes on Sana'a Airport, involving around 15 strikes on civilian aircraft and infrastructure, have been widely condemned in Yemen. The National Bloc of Parties and Political Components held Israel responsible for the damage but also blamed the Houthis for ongoing wars since 2004, serving an Iranian agenda and bringing destruction to Yemen.