Yemenia Airlines flight No. 664, bound for Queen Alia Airport in Jordan, successfully departed from Sana’a International Airport on Thursday after being unjustifiably returned from Saudi airspace.
Acting Chairman of Yemenia Airlines Khalil Jahaf reported that the flight, which was scheduled to leave Sana’a at 6:00 am, faced an unexpected return after Saudi authorities claimed it lacked the necessary permit to cross their airspace.
The flight was subsequently redirected back to Sana’a, causing delays for the 274 passengers onboard, many of whom were connecting to other destinations.
Jahaf expressed frustration over the Saudi authorities’ actions, describing them as part of a broader effort to complicate travel for Yemeni passengers and accusing them of imposing additional burdens on both passengers and the airline.
He emphasized that Yemenia Airlines had all necessary authorizations for flights scheduled through the end of October 2024.
Sana’a Airport Director Khaled al-Shaif confirmed the flight’s subsequent departure after the incident and criticized the Saudi regime’s continued restrictions on Yemeni air traffic, suggesting these measures contribute to the broader siege on Yemen.
Yemenia Airlines is working to assist passengers affected by the delay and will coordinate with Amman station to manage rebookings and provide necessary support.
