Israeli Airstrike on Yemen's Main Airport: Aircraft Destroyed, Heavy Damage Reported

On Tuesday, the Israeli military launched an airstrike on Yemen's primary airport in Sanaa, marking its second attack in two days against Iran-aligned Houthi rebels. The strike followed a missile attack by the Houthis near Israel's Ben Gurion Airport.

According to Houthi-run Al-Masirah TV, three people were killed in the latest Israeli strike. The attack caused extensive damage to Yemen’s main airport, rendering it unusable. Yemenia Airways reported that three of its aircraft, an Airbus A330-200 (7O-AFE) and two A320s (7O-AFA, 7O-AFC) were destroyed in the bombing. The airline stated that the aircraft had been hijacked by the militia and held them responsible for the destruction.

The airport's general director, Khaled al-Shaief, estimated the total damage at approximately $500 million. Terminal buildings, equipment, and infrastructure were severely affected, leading to the suspension of all flights until further notice. Yemenia Airways has vowed to seek legal compensation for the losses incurred.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) deployed 20 fighter jets in a long-range operation, dropping 50 bombs on Houthi-linked sites, including the airport, the port of Hodeidah, and a concrete factory near Bajil. The IDF claimed that the airport was being used as a hub for transferring weapons and operatives. The attack was described as a retaliatory measure following the Houthi missile strike near Tel Aviv on May 4.

The Civil Aviation and Meteorology Authority in Yemen condemned the attack, calling it a violation of international agreements, including the Chicago Convention. The United Nations Special Envoy to Yemen, Hans Grundberg, warned that the escalation posed a serious threat to regional stability.

Emergency repair plans are underway, but full restoration of the airport is expected to take significant time. Yemenia Airways continues to operate limited flights using its remaining aircraft based in Aden and Amman. The situation remains tense, with the Houthis vowing to respond to the Israeli strikes.