The General Authority of Civil Aviation and Meteorology has affirmed that the continued closure of Sana’a International Airport, amid the restrictions and difficulties faced by travelers using Aden Airport, has led to an unprecedented escalation in citizens’ suffering.
Acting Chairman of the Authority, Aref Maslah, stressed to the Yemeni News Agency (SABA) that reopening the airport is a national and humanitarian necessity that cannot be delayed.
He explained that patients, students, and the elderly are the most affected by the disruption of travel through Aden Airport, noting that this suffering represents a complex humanitarian issue that cannot be ignored or postponed.
Maslah added that the current restrictions contradict all efforts and claims regarding the facilitation of 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 high population density in surrounding areas.
He reaffirmed that the airport is fully ready, technically and professionally, to receive all flights and international airlines, considering the continued closure of the airport a crime and a blatant violation of international laws and conventions that guarantee the right to freedom of movement.
He also emphasized that the Authority will not hesitate to take all necessary professional and legal measures to secure citizens’ right to travel freely and safely through Sana’a International Airport.
Maslah concluded by stressing that reopening the airport is the true test of any moves toward de-escalation and alleviating the humanitarian catastrophe in Yemen, calling on the international community and relevant organizations to exert pressure to immediately lift the air restrictions and end the suffering of millions.
