Yemen's Aden airport operations halted amid escalating southern crisis

Conflicting reports on the nature of the suspension

The STC's AIC channel claimed Saudi Arabia suspended all domestic and international flights, leading to a complete operational halt at the airport, which primarily serves routes to Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan. However, a senior Yemeni government source denied any directive to shut the airport, stating only "limited regulatory measures" for certain destinations were applied as part of de-escalation efforts.

Condemnation from STC-aligned ministry

The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation, which operates under STC authority as part of a power-sharing deal, condemned what it called sudden Saudi measures. It stated it received a coalition memo requiring all international flights from Aden to transit through Jeddah for inspection before proceeding to final destinations.

Broader context of UAE-Saudi rift and southern conflict

The airport dispute follows a major escalation last month where STC forces seized the eastern provinces of Hadramaut and Al-Mahra. Saudi Arabia accused the United Arab Emirates of backing the STC's military moves, a charge Abu Dhabi rejected. In response, Yemen's presidential council canceled a defense pact with the UAE and ordered its forces to leave, declaring a 90-day state of emergency.