Transport Ministry: Aden Airport’s closure worsens humanitarian situation in Yemen

The Ministry of Transport has stressed the need to reopen Sana’a International Airport for passengers, patients and disabled people. 

The Ministry’s appeal came after the closure of Aden International Airport due to the ongoing current tension and the deterioration of the security situation in Aden governorate, southern Yemen.

The unfortunate events in the city of Aden are threatening the security and safety of civil aviation, the Transport Minister said on Sunday.

The Minister al-Shami said that hundreds of stranded Yemenis are in international airports scheduled to arrive in the country; moreover, hundreds of patients are stuck at Aden International Airport while their cases require traveling abroad for treatment.

Al-Shami stressed that the closure of Aden International Airport and the prevention of civilian and humanitarian flights further exacerbates the humanitarian situation in Yemen, especially since the Sana’a International Airport has been closed by the Saudi-led coalition for more than a year and a half.

The minister added that Sana’a International Airport is the first gate to Yemen.

“It is a must to neutralize the humanitarian situation and comply fully with international humanitarian law and not-interfere in basic humanitarian work,” he stated.

The minister also mentioned that Sana’a International Airport is ready to receive all civil flights in accordance with international standards and procedures issued by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).