Israeli Strike Destroys Yemen’s Last Commercial Jet at Sanaa Airport
Israeli fighter jets struck Sanaa International Airport early Wednesday, destroying Yemenia Airlines’ final operational aircraft in a series of targeted airstrikes. The assault, part of Israel’s ongoing response to Houthi aggression from Yemen, marks a dramatic escalation in a conflict that has increasingly drawn in players far beyond Gaza.
According to Houthi-run Al-Masirah TV, four strikes hit the airport runway and the national airline’s last remaining plane. Khaled al-Shaief, the Houthi-appointed airport director, confirmed the damage, sharing images on X that showed flames engulfing the aircraft and thick black smoke rising above the tarmac.
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Yemenia Airlines announced the immediate suspension of all flights from the airport, saying it could no longer operate under such conditions.
The attack drew sharp criticism from United Nations Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg, who condemned strikes on civilian infrastructure and warned of the broader fallout. “Today’s strike on Sanaa airport and the destruction of a Yemeni civilian aircraft deprives many Yemenis of a critical means to leave the country for medical, educational, family, or religious purposes,” he said, describing the timing as especially cruel with the Hajj pilgrimage approaching.
Grundberg also criticized attacks on both Sanaa and Israel’s Ben-Gurion Airport, calling them “unacceptable” and urging all parties to respect international law and protect civilians.
The Houthis have launched missiles and drones toward Israel since November 2023, claiming solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Israel has answered with airstrikes across Houthi-held northern Yemen, including a previous strike on the same airport two weeks ago.
