Sanaa: The Ministry of Transport and Public Works, represented by Yemen Airways, organized a protest and a press conference at the Yemen Airways building square in Sanaa, marking one year since the Zionist aggression targeted a Yemenia Airways aircraft. The aircraft was being prepared to transport Yemeni pilgrims to perform the Hajj pilgrimage.
According to Yemen News Agency, the Minister of Transport and Public Works, Mohammed Qahim, stated that the attack on Sanaa International Airport would not deter Yemen from its principled stances and that the aggressor countries would be held accountable. He emphasized that the anniversary of the Zionist aggression against the Yemenia Airways fleet is a testament to the criminality aiming to undermine the steadfastness of the Yemeni people. Qahim highlighted that these crimes will not be forgotten and that the aggressors will face consequences.
Minister Qahim described the targeting of the airport's premises, which destroyed infrastructure and civilian aircraft, as an act intended to punish the Yemeni people for their support of the Palestinian cause. He noted that the attacks only strengthened the internal cohesion and resilience of the Yemeni people and their leadership in facing challenges. He also mentioned the significant material damage caused by the aggression, estimating it at millions of dollars, which represents the rights and assets of the Yemeni people.
During the protest, attended by key figures such as the head of the National Human Rights Commission, Ali Taisir, and the director of Sanaa International Airport, Khaled Al Shaef, the Acting Chairman of the Board of Directors of Yemen Airways, Khalil Jahaf, labeled the targeting of Sanaa Airport as a war crime. He stated that the company's losses have reached astronomical figures due to the attacks and corruption. Jahaf expressed that the attack was not just a show of force but a means to impose a policy of subjugation on the Yemeni people.
The head of the National Human Rights Commission, Ali Taisir, explained that the protest serves as a message to the world about the crime caused by the Zionist aggression, which constitutes a war crime and a crime against humanity. He elaborated on the catastrophic repercussions of the attack, which occurred on May 28, 2025, when four raids targeted Sanaa Airport, focusing on the aircraft prepared to transport pilgrims to Jordan.
Dr. Anis Al Asbahi, spokesman of the Ministry of Health and Environment, highlighted the impact of the airport closure on the health system, emphasizing that Sanaa International Airport is essential for patients needing to travel abroad for treatment and for importing medicines and medical supplies. He noted the severe health and humanitarian consequences resulting from the continued closure of the airport, including delays in critical surgeries and shortages of life-saving medications.
Yemen Airways revealed in a statement issued at the protest the extent of damage suffered by the company due to the direct targeting of its aircraft and facilities at Sanaa International Airport. The statement announced total damages and losses amounting to $181,461,000, affecting six civilian aircraft and vital operational equipment. It emphasized the company's legal right to seek compensation and urged international bodies to protect civil aviation assets as a humanitarian lifeline for the Yemeni people.