“An Airport Is an Airport, and a Siege Is a Siege”: Yemeni Forces Warn Airlines Against Crossing Saudi Airspace
Sanaa has activated the “airport for airport and siege for siege” equation, issuing a strong warning to international airlines against flying over Saudi airspace following the targeting of Abha International Airport in response to Saudi strikes on Sanaa Airport, Al Mayadeen reports.
On Tuesday, the Yemeni Armed Forces, through its military media, cautioned all airlines to take Yemeni warnings seriously until the blockade on Sana’a International Airport is lifted. The forces emphasized their commitment to breaking the siege and threatened to expand targeting of Saudi airports if the aggression continues, describing the years-long closure of Sanaa Airport as a “humanitarian crime” affecting millions of civilians.
The warning came shortly after Yemeni Armed Forces spokesman Brigadier General Yahya Saree announced that Abha International Airport deep inside Saudi Arabia had been struck with ballistic missiles and drones. Saree stated that the operation achieved all its objectives as a “first message” in response to the aggression against Sana’a International Airport, with further escalation possible if the siege on Yemeni airports persists.
Saree blamed the “Saudi enemy” for its “reckless decision” to attack Sanaa Airport and held it responsible for the serious consequences of the aggression, which he linked to serving Israeli-American interests. “The aggression will not go unpunished,” he said, adding that the enemy had ended the de-escalation phase and must bear the repercussions.
The strikes on Sanaa Airport occurred on Monday afternoon when Saudi aircraft conducted several raids, disabling the landing and takeoff runways. The attack aimed to prevent the arrival of an Iranian civilian plane from Mahan Airlines carrying a Yemeni delegation attending the funeral of Iranian leader Ali Khamenei. Despite the assault, the plane successfully landed at Hodeidah International Airport, which had been out of service for over a decade.
The Saudi-led coalition imposed a comprehensive ban on Yemeni airspace on August 9, 2016, resulting in the complete closure of Sanaa Airport to commercial flights. The airport serves as the country’s main air artery for approximately 80% of Yemen’s population, or about 20 million people.
Yemeni officials have framed the response as part of a broader effort to end the blockade, with Sanaa vowing that its operations will continue until the restrictions are lifted.
This development was reported by Al Mayadeen on July 14, 2026, citing statements from Yemeni military sources and its correspondent in Yemen, Abdullah Al-Farah.