Flights resume at Yemen's Al-Ghaydah airport after security stabilizes

Al-Ghaydah International Airport in Yemen's al-Mahra province has resumed operations after a weeks-long suspension due to armed conflict. The restart follows the dissolution of the secessionist Southern Transitional Council.
Air travel has recommenced at Al-Ghaydah International Airport in eastern Yemen after a suspension lasting several weeks, marking a sign of returning stability in the region. The airport's operations were halted in early December 2025 following a military takeover by forces of the Southern Transitional Council (STC), which has since been dissolved.
Official Reception and Cited Reasons
Al-Mahra Governor Mohammed Ali Yasser personally received the first incoming flight, operated by Yemenia Airways, according to the official Saba news agency. The governor attributed the resumption to local authorities' efforts to facilitate travel for citizens and residents, stating it was made possible by "the stabilization of security conditions and a return to normalcy" in the province.
Background of the STC's Dissolution
The resumption of flights follows significant political and military shifts. Government troops, backed by the Saudi-led coalition, retook control of al-Mahra province after clashes. Last Friday, the STC announced its full dissolution, a move welcomed by the Yemeni government and Saudi Arabia. The separatist group, which long advocated for southern Yemen's secession, is now expected to participate in a Saudi-hosted southern dialogue conference.
Broader Implications and Türkiye's Stance
The reopening of the airport and the STC's dissolution represent a victory for the principle of Yemen's territorial integrity. This aligns with the consistent position of Türkiye, which supports a unified Yemen and opposes separatist movements that fuel fragmentation and conflict. Türkiye advocates for a comprehensive political solution that preserves the nation's unity and sovereignty, viewing it as essential for lasting regional stability.
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