Yemen: Houthi govt. demands complete opening of Sanaa Airport

The Minister of Transport in Yemen’s de facto Houthi-led government based in Sanaa, Abdulwahab Al-Durra, reiterated today the necessity for the complete reopening of Sanaa International Airport to all destinations, as it was before the war started in the country.

“We will only accept the complete opening of Sanaa International Airport and the rest of the airports that are currently being rehabilitated and restored, such as Taiz and Hodeida airports,” said Al-Durra during a rally of ministry employees. He criticised the Saudi-led coalition for completely closing Sanaa Airport, linking the blockade to Yemen’s firm stance on the Palestinian issue.

“Yemen’s honourable, courageous and historic position in supporting Gaza did not please the puppet regimes that launched an economic war on the Yemeni people by targeting banks and stopping civilian flights through Sanaa Airport,” he explained.

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According to the Yemen Press Agency, participants at the gathering issued a statement, declaring: “The full mandate of the revolutionary leadership to take appropriate options to confront enemies and reform state institutions, as well as to confront the aggressive measures of the Saudi regime that affect the interests of the homeland and people.”

Sanaa International Airport Director Khaled Al-Shayef reiterated on Saturday the call for the airport’s full reopening. He also denounced the ongoing siege that has left thousands of Yemenis stranded abroad. “Before the aggression and siege, thousands of passengers were leaving Sanaa Airport on 50 daily flights to more than 30 destinations,” noted Al-Shayef.

Last week, the leader of the Houthi movement, Sayyed Abdulmalik Al-Houthi, also issued a strong warning to Riyadh, hinting at a forthcoming response to the economic escalation against Yemen.

Al-Houthi outlined an equation for reciprocity: “Banks with banks, Riyadh Airport with Sanaa Airport, and ports with ports.” He affirmed that, “We will not stand idly by in the face of their absurd moves and watch our people starve and their economic situation collapse.” The Houthi leader also stressed that being preoccupied with the direct battle to support Gaza does not mean inaction regarding Yemen’s own issues.

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