Sana'a (Saba) – The Humanitarian Coordination Center (HOCC) has issued an official notice to international airlines regarding risks to air navigation safety at Israeli airports.
The center said in a statement, "We would like to inform you that, in response to the Israeli escalation with its decision to expand its aggressive operations against Gaza, and within the framework of our religious, humanitarian, and moral responsibility toward the oppressed Palestinian people and the unjust siege they are subjected to and the continued horrific and heinous massacres perpetrated by the usurping Israeli entity, the Yemeni Armed Forces have announced a comprehensive ban on navigation to and from the airports of the usurping Israeli enemy by repeatedly targeting airports, most notably El-Leid Airport, known in Israel as Ben Gurion Airport, starting May 4, 2025, at 10:42 PM Sana'a time, which corresponds to 19:42 GMT on May 4, 2025, for an indefinite period.
The Yemeni Armed Forces call upon all international airlines to take this announcement into consideration from the moment it is announced and published and to cancel all flights to the airports of the criminal Israeli enemy, to preserve the safety of their aircraft and passengers." The Humanitarian Coordination Center indicated that its communication with international airlines stems from the Republic of Yemen's commitment to the safety of civil aviation, as well as the safety of aircraft, their passengers, and crews.
The Center noted that by communicating with the airlines, it has officially informed them of the significant and ongoing risks to the safety of air navigation at Israeli airports.
It added, "Accordingly, and in accordance with the provisions of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) annexes, most notably Annex 6 and Annex 19, it is your legal duty as an air operator to refrain from operating flights to Israeli airports due to the clear security risks, including ongoing missile attacks, in order to preserve the safety of aircraft, passengers, and crew."
The Center considered operating any flights to Israeli airports, especially Ben Gurion Airport, knowing of a direct missile threat, a clear violation of international safety requirements and ICAO documents and annexes, endangering lives and property.
The Humanitarian Coordination Center holds international airlines fully responsible for any incidents or repercussions that may result from continuing to operate flights to airports in the occupying Israeli entity.
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