Yemen issues a directive to close all airports until further notice

The General Authority of Civil Aviation in Yemen issued a directive on Monday to close all airports to air traffic until further notice.

This comes after the runways of Sana'a International Airport were targeted by airstrikes coinciding with an attempt by an Iranian plane to land at the airport, forcing it to head to Hodeidah.

The Yemeni Ministry of Defense earlier on Monday called for the evacuation of Sana'a Airport, warning citizens not to approach the airport area.

The head of the Presidential Leadership Council in Yemen, Rashad al-Alimi, said he does not intend to "expand the scope of confrontation" with the Houthi militia.

Meanwhile, the UN Special Envoy to Yemen, Hans Grundberg, urged "de-escalation" following the airstrikes on Sana'a Airport.

Grundberg wrote in a statement on platform X: "I have conducted intensive contacts with all parties, as my office has been in touch with military representatives from all sides. We urge everyone to de-escalate and refrain from any actions that could lead to a new round of violence in Yemen," calling on both parties to "dialogue and negotiations under UN auspices to find a way forward to maintain the relative calm that Yemen has witnessed since 2022."