Yemen Blocks Iranian Flight, Citing Lack of Authorization

Yemen's internationally recognized government on Saturday barred an Iranian passenger plane from landing at Sanaa International Airport, asserting that the airline had failed to obtain necessary authorization to enter Yemeni airspace.

The Mahan Air flight was ordered to return after authorities determined it lacked proper flying approvals and had not followed the country's aviation protocols, according to Transport Minister Mohsen Al-Amri. The aircraft turned back while it was over Omani airspace.

Iranian officials and the Houthi movement, which controls Sanaa, did not immediately comment. This event marks the latest in a series of Mahan Air flights to Houthi-controlled territory, with one having landed in Sanaa earlier this month and another diverted to Hodeidah due to runway damage.

The Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council reiterated that no foreign aircraft will be permitted to enter the country's airspace or land without prior consent from the recognized government. The General Authority of Civil Aviation and Meteorology issued a notice requiring airlines to secure flight permits in advance through official government channels.

The aviation dispute arises just a day after Jordan announced plans to resume daily humanitarian flights between Amman and Sanaa, a proposal welcomed by Saudi Arabia, the Yemeni government, and the United Nations. UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, praised the initiative, hoping it would help maintain the 2022 truce and foster political progress. However, the Houthis rejected the Jordanian proposal, demanding unrestricted flights and the resolution of broader humanitarian issues like unpaid public-sector wages.

These developments occur amidst growing concerns of military escalation, with both the Houthis and the Saudi-backed government exchanging warnings of potential renewed conflict. UN mediation efforts are ongoing.

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no foreign aircraft will be allowed to enter the country’s airspace or land at any airport without prior consent from the internationally recognized government.