Yemen forces Iranian plane to turn back over flight permit dispute

Yemen's internationally recognized government compelled an Iranian Mahan Air flight bound for Sanaa to return Saturday due to a lack of required flight permits, escalating a dispute over airspace control. The Yemeni Minister of Transport, Mohsen al-Amri, stated that the aircraft did not reach Sanaa and was ordered back for failing to follow approved procedures for flying through Yemeni airspace, which the Houthi rebels do not control.

This action follows the government's declaration that all airlines must obtain prior authorization from the internationally recognized Executive's Civil Aviation and Meteorology Authority, based in Aden, to enter Yemeni airspace. Yemeni government sources informed EFE that a severe warning was sent to Iran via Oman, stating that any Iranian aircraft entering Yemeni airspace would be immediately shot down.

Oman relayed this message to Iranian authorities, prompting the aircraft to change course and return to Iran. Yemeni Air Force fighter jets were reportedly deployed to confront the aircraft. This incident marks the latest escalation in the conflict over access to Sanaa International Airport, which was previously bombed by the Yemeni army to prevent a Mahan Air flight carrying a Houthi delegation from landing.

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the aircraft did not reach Sanaa and received the order to turn back after failing to comply with approved procedures for obtaining permission to fly over Yemeni airspace.