Yemen Monitor / Special Report:
Yemeni Member of Parliament Sheikh Hamid Al-Ahmar has stated that the transparency shown by Presidential Leadership Council Chairman Rashad Al-Alimi in explaining the decision to resume Yemenia Airways flights to Sana’a Airport is commendable. He affirmed his confidence that Al-Alimi’s efforts stem from concern for the public interest but emphasized that the explanation does not eliminate the need for a transparent investigation into the circumstances that allowed the Houthi group to seize control of three Yemenia aircraft last year.
In a statement on his account on platform X, Al-Ahmar revealed what he described as alarming information, including a warning from Yemenia’s commercial manager, Mohsen Haidarah, against operating multiple flights to Sana’a Airport simultaneously—a warning that was ignored, ultimately leading to the Houthis seizing three planes.
استمعت الى توضيح الاخ رئيس مجلس القيادة حول ملابسات قرار استئناف رحلات اليمنية الى مطار صنعاء وبغض النظر عن اتفاقي مع القرار من عدمه فإني اشكر له توضيحه وشفافيته و اثق في ان اجتهاده نابع من حرصه على الصالح العام ، الا ان هذا التوضيح لا يغني عن التوجيه بفتح تحقيق شفاف حول كيفية…
— حميد الأحمر/ M.P Hameed Al-Ahmar (@HameedAlahmar2) May 31, 2025
He further noted that the Ministry of Transport and Yemenia Airways failed to notify the International Air Transport Association (IATA) or international and regional authorities to block the use of the hijacked planes. Additionally, they neglected to contact aircraft manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus to prevent the supply of spare parts or maintenance services for the planes under Houthi control.
Al-Ahmar described the events as a “theatrical farce” that warrants investigation and accountability, criticizing the lack of disciplinary measures against officials in the Ministry of Transport and Yemenia’s management. He called for their immediate dismissal.
He reiterated his demand for a full investigation involving all relevant parties, citing official correspondence that confirms the fourth aircraft—recently destroyed—was already under Houthi control before the incident. He added that he intends to submit this evidence to the expected investigative committee.
Regarding the broader stance of the legitimate government, Al-Ahmar accused the Ministry of Transport of failing to use international pressure tools to warn maritime companies against cooperating with the Houthis. He called for the urgent implementation of strong measures to halt the militias’ extortion and disruption of oil exports.
In conclusion, Al-Ahmar stressed that the only solution to end the suffering of Yemenis lies in liberating the country from what he described as the “clerical gang” through a decisive military resolution. He emphasized that the Leadership Council’s continued avoidance of this option amounts to a failure to fulfill its core responsibilities—chiefly, ending the coup and restoring legitimacy.
