Yemen’s General Authority of Civil Aviation and Meteorology has ordered the immediate closure of all airports across the country to air traffic until further notice, following escalating tensions surrounding Sana’a International Airport.

In an official circular, the authority instructed all airlines and international organisations operating flights to and from Yemen that every airport in the country is now closed to air traffic with immediate effect.

Nationwide Airspace Restrictions

The aviation authority said the suspension applies to all civilian airports in Yemen and will remain in force until a further announcement is issued.

No timeline has been provided for the reopening of the country’s airports.

Strike on Sana’a Airport

The announcement follows reports from Yemen’s Ministry of Defence that government forces carried out a strike on the runway at Sana’a International Airport to prevent the landing of an Iranian aircraft.

According to the ministry, the Houthi movement, also known as Ansar Allah, had prohibited Yemen’s national airline from using the airport while allowing an Iranian aircraft to enter Yemeni airspace.

Houthi Response

The Houthi authorities blamed Saudi Arabia for the strike on Sana’a Airport. The group’s foreign ministry described the attack as a declaration of war and announced the end of what it called the de-escalation phase.

The airport closure comes amid renewed instability in Yemen, where aviation operations have repeatedly been disrupted by the country’s long-running conflict. The latest restrictions are expected to suspend both domestic and international commercial flights until the security situation improves.