The Yemeni Airlines announced today, Wednesday, that Houthi militias have detained 3 planes at Sanaa International Airport upon their return from Saudi Arabia.

In a statement, Yemeni Airlines considered that "this action threatens aviation safety in Yemen and complicates the operation of flights to and from the country," according to the official Yemeni news agency Saba.

The statement clarified that all their planes were detained at Sanaa Airport upon arrival from King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. These planes were carrying hundreds of pilgrims returning from the holy pilgrimage.

The statement indicated that there are still thousands of pilgrims stranded in Saudi territory, awaiting their return to Sana'a and other Yemeni airports.

"Yemenia" appealed to the international community, international aviation organizations, the UN Special Envoy to Yemen, and all relevant authorities to urgently intervene to stop such arbitrary actions against the company.

In conclusion, Yemenia Airlines expressed sincere apologies to the returning Hajj pilgrims to Sana'a for its inability to transport them there due to the Houthis' seizure of aircraft, violating all international aviation laws and norms. This incident marks the first time civilian aircraft have been detained while conducting their professional duties.

"It is noted that since last year, the Houthis have been holding Yemenia Airlines' accounts in Sana'a banks, which has led the company to suspend its flights to Jordan.

In 2022, the first commercial flight departed from Sana'a International Airport after flights had ceased in August 2015, as part of a continuing UN-brokered ceasefire."