Yemeni Government Denies Closure of Aden Airport, Holds the STC Responsible for Disrupting Flights

Yemen Monitor – Newsroom:

A responsible government source denied the accuracy of reports circulating about the issuance of any government directives to close Aden International Airport or suspend flights through it, affirming that operations at the airport continue in accordance with approved procedures.

The source explained that the official aviation authorities, in coordination with the leadership of the Coalition to Support Legitimacy, have approved limited and temporary regulatory measures on certain international destinations, subject to periodic review. These measures come as part of efforts to support de-escalation, implement the state of emergency declaration, and apply approved inspection mechanisms, while taking into account security and safety requirements, compliance with international aviation laws, and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

The source placed full responsibility on the Southern Transitional Council for any consequences resulting from directives issued by the transport minister affiliated with it, which call for closing the airport to air traffic. He described those directives as irresponsible, as they would exacerbate citizens’ suffering and obstruct civilian and humanitarian travel.

The government source renewed the call for strict adherence to sovereign decisions, serious engagement in de-escalation efforts led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and avoidance of any unilateral steps that could harm the interests of the Yemeni people, exploit sovereign facilities to achieve illegitimate political objectives, or violate international aviation procedures in force under the current exceptional circumstances.