Saudi Arabia, UN hail resumption of flights between Sanaa and Jordan

Saudi Arabia and the United Nations mission in Yemen celebrated the resumption of regular commercial flights between the Houthi-controlled capital, Sanaa, and Amman, Jordan. This development follows a week of heightened tensions after the Sanaa airport was bombed. The Saudi Foreign Ministry described Jordan's initiative to operate these flights as "humanitarian" and stated it would help meet the needs of the civilian population. The ministry urged the Houthi rebels to actively participate in this initiative, warning against actions that could escalate the conflict and increase suffering for the Yemeni people. Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its support for all efforts aimed at achieving security and stability in Yemen. The bombing of Sanaa International Airport the previous Monday, claimed by the Yemeni Army to prevent an Iranian plane's landing, had led to accusations from the rebels against Riyadh. In response, the Houthis launched an attack on Saudi territory and threatened targets within the energy sector. The UN mission in Yemen also welcomed the flights, calling it a "positive step toward expanding civilian air access for Yemenis," a key element of the UN-brokered truce from 2022. The internationally recognized Yemeni government stated the initiative aligns with its proposal for legal operations at Sanaa airport via Yemenia Airways to agreed destinations, accusing the Houthis of hindering previous efforts. The Sanaa airport has been a point of contention since the war began in 2014, with the Houthis demanding its reopening for all international destinations, while the government insists on state authority and national airline operations. The airport has seen limited commercial flights, primarily to Amman, since the 2022 truce, with frequent disruptions due to the ongoing conflict and political disputes.

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The Kingdom urges the Houthis to actively participate in this initiative, instead of repeating their previous decisions, which have exacerbated the suffering of the brotherly Yemeni people, and to cease any practice or measure that could lead to an escalation of the conflict and subject Yemen and its brotherly people to further suffering.