Tel Aviv: The Humanitarian Coordination Center has issued an official notification to civil aviation authorities regarding the high risks to air navigation at Israeli airports.
According to Yemen News Agency, the center stated, "We would like to inform you that, in response to the Israeli escalation and expansion of operations in Gaza, and within the framework of our responsibility towards the Palestinian people and the ongoing siege and horrific massacres they are subjected to by the occupying entity, and within the framework of the sanctions imposed on it as a result of its perpetration of crimes of genocide against the Palestinians and the prevention of the entry of medicine and food for more than a year, the Yemeni Armed Forces have announced a comprehensive ban on navigation to and from the airports of the Israeli enemy by repeatedly targeting airports, most notably Lod Airport, known in Israel as Ben Gurion Airport, starting May 4, 2025, at 10:42 PM Sana'a time, which corresponds to 7:42 PM GMT on May 4, 2025, for an indefinite period."
The center further advised all international airlines to heed this announcement immediately and cancel all flights to Israeli airports to ensure the safety of their aircraft and passengers. Emphasizing the Republic of Yemen's commitment to civil aviation safety, the notification urged relevant authorities to report risks through appropriate safety mechanisms, in line with the International Civil Aviation Organization's provisions, especially Annex 19.
The civil aviation bodies contacted have been urged to take suitable measures as they oversee air safety and security in the airspace under their control. The Humanitarian Coordination Center confirmed the notification of significant and ongoing risks at Israeli airports, highlighting ongoing missile threats.
The center warned that operating flights to Israeli airports amid known missile threats contravenes international safety standards and places lives and property at risk. It emphasized that any failure to report ongoing risks would make involved organizations liable for any resulting incidents.
The center expressed hope that the measure would be seen as a humanitarian and moral action, urging global pressure on the Israeli entity to cease its actions against the Palestinian people in Gaza.