Sanaa Airport Resumes Operations after Israeli Airstrikes
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Sanaa International Airport has resumed operations following Israeli airstrikes that targeted critical infrastructure, including the airport and nearby facilities, sparking widespread condemnation and disrupting humanitarian and civilian activities.
Yemeni officials announced on Friday that Sanaa International Airport is now technically capable of receiving civilian flights, United Nations aircraft, and humanitarian aid deliveries around the clock.
This announcement comes after Thursday’s Israeli airstrikes that hit the airport, Red Sea ports, and power stations across Sanaa.
The strikes also destroyed the control tower, terminal, and navigation equipment at the airport, disrupting flight operations.
A high-level United Nations delegation, including World Health Organization (WHO) Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, was present at the airport during the attacks.
“As we were about to board our flight from Sanaa… the airport came under aerial bombardment,” Tedros said in a social media post.
He described significant damage to the air traffic control tower and the departure lounge, stating, “We will need to wait for the damage to the airport to be repaired before we can leave. My UN and WHO colleagues and I are safe.”
Despite the damage, Yemeni officials assured the public of the airport’s operational readiness.
“Today we resumed flight departures and landings at Sanaa International Airport as planned,” said Yahya Al-Sayani, Yemen’s Deputy Minister of Transport and Public Works. “The first flight will take off at 10:00.”
Al-Sayani detailed the timing of the airstrikes, which occurred while flights were preparing for takeoff.
"At 16:00 on Thursday, Israel, with US support, launched a direct attack on the airport," he said.
Khaled Al-Shayef, General Manager of Sanaa International Airport, highlighted the airport's preparedness to handle such incidents.
“The airport has developed backup plans for both equipment and buildings, ensuring we have worst-case response measures in place. Even if the terminal is damaged, we can continue to operate flights and maintain the airport's operational capabilities,” he said.
UN Secretary General António Guterres condemned the strikes, warning that attacks on Sanaa airport and Red Sea ports jeopardize humanitarian efforts during a critical time for millions in need of assistance.
The strikes also disrupted UN humanitarian operations, injuring a member of the UN Humanitarian Air Crew. Guterres reiterated his call for all parties to cease military actions and respect international humanitarian law, emphasizing the protection of civilians and infrastructure.
While flights have resumed, the long-term impact of the strikes on Yemen’s humanitarian crisis remains a significant concern.