Yemen’s Sanaa Airport Disabled, Flights to Israel Disrupted Amid Escalating Conflict
The ongoing Israel-Hamas war has had significant repercussions for air travel in the region, leading to the incapacitation of Yemen’s main airport and disruptions to flights at Israel’s primary international airport. The escalating conflict, fueled by Houthi rebel attacks in solidarity with Palestinians, has prompted numerous international airlines to temporarily suspend or cancel services to and from Tel Aviv.
The situation began to deteriorate following the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel by Hamas, which triggered a large-scale Israeli military offensive in Gaza. In response to this offensive, Yemen’s Houthi rebels, aligned with Palestinians, have launched missile attacks towards Israel and targeted shipping in the Red Sea.
On Sunday, a missile fired by the Houthis landed near Ben Gurion Airport, Israel’s main international gateway located near Tel Aviv, raising concerns about the safety of air travel to and from the country. This incident underscored the vulnerability of civilian infrastructure to the escalating conflict and heightened the sense of insecurity among airlines and passengers alike.
In retaliation for the Houthi attacks, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) conducted an airstrike on Yemen’s main airport, Sanaa International Airport, on Tuesday. The IDF stated that the airport was targeted due to its use as a hub for Houthi infrastructure. Prior to the airstrike, the Israeli military issued warnings to people in the area to evacuate, indicating the severity of the impending attack.
The airstrike resulted in the complete disablement of Sanaa International Airport, effectively suspending all flights to and from the Yemeni capital until further notice. This closure has significantly impacted Yemen’s connectivity to the rest of the world, hindering humanitarian efforts and disrupting commercial activities.
Meanwhile, despite the ongoing conflict and the Houthi missile attacks, Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport remains operational, according to its official website. However, the heightened security concerns and the perceived risks associated with flying to Israel have led a number of global airlines to temporarily pause their services to Tel Aviv.
Several major airlines have announced the suspension or cancellation of flights to and from Tel Aviv, citing safety concerns and operational challenges. These airlines include:
-
AEGEAN AIRLINES: The Greek airline has canceled its flights to Tel Aviv until May 13, as well as the early morning flight on May 14.
-
AIRBALTIC: Latvia’s airBaltic has canceled flights to and from Tel Aviv until May 11.
-
AIR EUROPA: The Spanish airline has canceled its flights to and from Tel Aviv until May 9.
-
DELTA AIR LINES: The U.S. carrier has stated that its flights to and from Tel Aviv may be impacted between May 4 and May 25.
-
IBERIA EXPRESS: IAG’s low-cost airline, Iberia Express, has canceled flights to Tel Aviv until May 31.
-
ITA AIRWAYS: The Italian carrier has suspended flights to and from Tel Aviv until May 11, as well as two flights scheduled for May 12.
-
KLM: KLM has suspended flights to and from Tel Aviv until May 30.
-
LOT: The Polish carrier has suspended flights to Tel Aviv until May 11.
-
LUFTHANSA: The German airline group has suspended flights to and from Tel Aviv through May 11.
-
RYANAIR: Europe’s biggest budget airline has canceled flights to and from Tel Aviv until May 11.
-
UNITED AIRLINES: The Chicago-based airline has stated that its flights to and from Tel Aviv may be impacted between May 4 and May 11.
-
WIZZ AIR: The Hungary-based airline has canceled its flights to Tel Aviv until May 12.
In addition to these airlines, Air France canceled flights on May 4, Air India suspended flights to and from Tel Aviv until May 8, and IAG-owned British Airways also canceled flights through May 8.
The temporary suspension of flights by these major airlines represents a significant setback for Israel’s tourism industry and its connectivity to the global economy. The disruptions to air travel also pose challenges for businesses and individuals who rely on air transportation for travel and commerce.
It is worth noting that foreign airlines had begun to resume flights to Israel after a ceasefire deal with Hamas in January, following earlier suspension for much of the last year and a half since the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. However, the recent escalation of the conflict has once again prompted airlines to prioritize safety and suspend their services.
The U.S. State Department has issued travel advisories for the region, urging travelers not to travel to Gaza or Yemen due to terrorism and armed conflict. The State Department also advises travelers to reconsider travel to Israel and the West Bank due to terrorism and civil unrest.
The ongoing conflict and the disruptions to air travel highlight the volatile security situation in the region and the challenges faced by airlines and travelers alike. The situation remains fluid, and it is uncertain when normal air travel operations will resume. Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest updates on flight schedules and travel advisories.
The conflict’s impact extends beyond just disrupted flights, affecting trade, humanitarian aid, and the overall sense of security in the region. The closure of Sanaa International Airport, in particular, has severe consequences for Yemen, a country already grappling with a humanitarian crisis.
