News - Yemen: Amid a decade-long blockade targeting airports, seaports, and land crossings, the Saudi-US-UAE coalition continues restricting the movement of Yemeni citizens, severely limiting their travel and access to essential services.

The so-called Ministry of Awqaf in the pro-aggression government has signed an agreement with Yemenia Airlines to transport over 6,000 pilgrims through Aden Airport for the upcoming Hajj season. The deal effectively monopolizes air travel for pilgrims, confining departures to Aden and other airports under the control of the coalition and the separatist Southern Transitional Council.

According to the ministry, the agreement—signed in Jeddah—allocates air transport for 6,255 pilgrims exclusively via Aden, without any arrangements for Sana’a International Airport, which serves the majority of Yemen’s provinces and free areas.

The timing raises questions, following earlier statements by the ministry about exploring additional carriers to increase competition. It also comes six months after Yemenia suspended flights from Sana’a due to Israeli airstrikes that destroyed four aircraft and closed the airport.

The closure of Sana’a Airport has compounded the suffering of millions of Yemenis. Limiting Hajj flights to Aden adds heavy financial and logistical burdens, especially on the sick, with travel costs from Sana’a to Aden exceeding $600—an amount many cannot afford.

Meanwhile, Yemenia Airlines announced it will increase weekly flights between Aden and Riyadh to three, reinforcing reliance on Aden and perpetuating the blockade’s effects on Yemeni citizens, more than 70 percent of whom depend on Sana’a Airport.

Local calls for reopening Sana’a Airport have intensified, highlighting the urgent need to reduce travel costs and ensure access for vulnerable groups such as patients, the elderly, and students. Many now face the alternative of a 700-kilometer overland journey via Al-Wadiah crossing under harsh conditions, with travel expenses—including tickets and documents—ranging from $600 to $700.

Civilians warned that continued closure of Sana’a Airport will exacerbate the humanitarian impact, particularly as routes to Amman, previously vital for medical travel, remain suspended due to the ongoing blockade.