Yemen's Ministry of Transport has reported that Houthi militia launched an attack on Aden International Airport early on Wednesday, using two ballistic missiles and several explosive drones. The attack occurred just minutes before a Yemenia Airlines flight was set to land, carrying civilian passengers who were returning home. The ministry stated that one of the missiles landed near the airport's runway, putting the lives of everyone on board and on the ground at risk.
The Ministry of Transport condemned the attack in the strongest terms, describing it as a "savage crime" that targeted a civilian and vital facility that should be a safe space for passengers and workers. The attack threatened the lives of many passengers waiting for a flight to Jeddah and those working at the airport, as well as the crews of two planes, one belonging to Yemenia Airlines and the other to Aden Airlines, which were on the ground.
The ministry reported that it took urgent measures to protect lives, including canceling the landing of the Yemenia Airlines flight from Cairo and diverting it to Jeddah, and moving the two planes on the ground to a safe distance from the danger zone. The move came as several Houthi drones were spotted flying over the temporary capital, Aden.
The Ministry of Transport considered the Houthi attack a serious escalation and a blatant violation of international laws and norms that guarantee the protection of civil aviation, airports, and civilian facilities from hostile acts. The attack also posed a direct threat to air navigation safety and the lives of passengers and aviation workers.
The ministry vowed to take all necessary measures to enhance airport security and air navigation safety, protect the lives of passengers, workers, and crews, and ensure the continuation of air transport services according to the highest safety standards. The protection of human life will be given top priority.
The Ministry of Transport called on the international community, international organizations, and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to condemn the terrorist attack and take responsibility for protecting airports, civilian facilities, and commercial aviation from military targeting. The ministry also urged accountability for those responsible for these violations under international laws and conventions.
The ministry affirmed that Aden International Airport will remain a civilian gateway open to Yemenis and travelers, and that attempts to instill fear in passengers and workers will not deter state institutions from performing their duty to protect citizens and serve air transport.
Key points
- The Houthi militia's attack on Aden International Airport was a serious escalation and a blatant violation of international laws and norms.
- The attack threatened the lives of many passengers and workers, and disrupted air traffic.
- The Ministry of Transport vowed to take all necessary measures to enhance airport security and air navigation safety.
