News - Yemen: The Acting Chairman of the General Authority of Civil Aviation and Meteorology, Aref Musleh, said the continued closure of Sana’a International Airport has led to an unprecedented aggravation of citizens’ suffering, particularly in light of the severe restrictions and difficulties faced by travelers using Aden Airport.

Musleh stressed that reopening Sana’a Airport is an urgent national and humanitarian necessity that cannot be delayed, noting that patients, students, and the elderly are the most affected by disrupted travel through Aden. He said that the situation is a complex humanitarian issue that cannot be ignored or subjected to procrastination.

He added that the current restrictions contradict all claims and efforts purportedly aimed at facilitating humanitarian movement for citizens, pointing out that Sana’a International Airport serves more than 80 percent of Yemen’s population due to its geographic location and the population density of surrounding areas.

Musleh reaffirmed that the airport is fully ready, both technically and professionally, to receive all flights and international airlines, describing its continued closure as a crime and a blatant violation of international laws and conventions that guarantee freedom of movement.

He emphasized that the authority will not hesitate to take all necessary professional and legal measures to secure citizens’ right to travel freely and safely via Sana’a International Airport.

Musleh also said that reopening the airport represents the real test of any declared intentions toward de-escalation and alleviating Yemen’s humanitarian catastrophe, calling on the international community and relevant organizations to exert pressure for the immediate lifting of air restrictions.

The continued closure of Sana’a International Airport coincides with renewed regional escalation and tightened air restrictions, despite repeated claims of de-escalation and humanitarian facilitation. 

Recent developments have further isolated millions of Yemenis, turning civilian air travel into a political pressure tool.

Yemeni authorities say the ongoing closure deepens humanitarian suffering, particularly for patients, students, and vulnerable groups, and reflects the gap between international rhetoric and realities on the ground.