Yemenia Airways Suffers Monumental Losses As Israeli Air Force Destroys Three Aircraft In Sana’a, Severely Paralyzing Yemen’s Air Travel Operations And Economic Prospects

Published on May 7, 2025

Yemenia Airways faces catastrophic losses as Israeli airstrikes destroy three key jets at Sana’a Airport, severely disrupting flights and worsening Yemen’s aviation crisis.

Yemenia Airways Suffers Major Loss with Destruction of Three Jets in Israeli Airstrike at Sana’a Airport

On Tuesday, Yemenia Airways suffered a devastating blow as two Airbus A320 jets and an A330 were destroyed in an airstrike by the Israeli Air Force at Sana’a International Airport, Yemen’s capital. This attack has severely impacted the airline’s operations, leaving the airport unable to function due to the extensive damage caused.

The Attack and Its Aftermath

The airstrike, which targeted the airport, consumed the three jets in flames, as evidenced by numerous images and videos shared across social media platforms. Among the affected aircraft, Airbus A320 7O-AFC had been parked at the airport for several months before the attack, while the other two planes had only arrived at Sana’a days earlier. The sight of the charred remains of the jets highlights the devastating toll the airstrike took on Yemenia Airways’ fleet.

As a result of the attack, Yemeni authorities have been forced to suspend operations at Sana’a International Airport. With the damage to the airport’s infrastructure and the destruction of its key aircraft, the airline’s ability to operate flights has been severely hindered. It is understood that the aircraft were under the control of the Houthi rebel group, which has been engaged in ongoing conflict with the Yemeni government. The strike is seen as a direct response to recent missile attacks on Israel’s Ben Gurion International Airport launched by the same rebel group, which is reportedly supported by Iran.

Houthi Control and Escalating Tensions

Yemen’s ongoing conflict has created a volatile situation for the aviation industry. The Houthi rebels have gained control over large parts of northern Yemen, including the area surrounding Sana’a International Airport. These rebels are not only responsible for escalating violence but have also been linked to several missile attacks in the region. The airstrike targeting the Yemeni airline’s aircraft highlights the intensifying nature of the conflict, further complicating the situation in Yemen.

The Israeli Air Force’s attack on the airport follows the Houthi missile strike on Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv just days earlier. The missile fire from Yemen’s Houthi rebels underscores the growing regional instability and the expanding impact of Yemen’s internal conflict on neighboring countries. The strikes, both on Israel and Yemen’s aviation assets, have significant implications for international relations and regional security.

Yemenia Airways’ Continued Operations Amidst Losses

Despite the significant losses sustained in the airstrike, Yemenia Airways has managed to continue operating some of its flights with its remaining fleet of A320 jets. The airline is making every effort to maintain its operations, even with the destruction of its key aircraft. According to reports, one of the remaining A320 aircraft operated flights from Aden to Riyadh and Cairo, while another handled routes to Jeddah and Mukalla in recent hours. Furthermore, a third A320 was in Amman, Jordan, continuing to serve the airline’s international routes.

While Yemenia’s resilience is commendable, the destruction of three aircraft, particularly two newly arrived Airbus A320s, will likely lead to significant delays, cancellations, and reduced capacity for the airline. This disruption comes at a time when Yemenia Airways, like many other regional carriers, is still trying to recover from the impacts of the ongoing conflict and economic instability.

The Broader Impact on Yemeni Aviation and Travel

The destruction of Yemenia Airways’ aircraft has broader implications for aviation in Yemen. Sana’a International Airport, a key hub for international and domestic travel, has been rendered largely inoperative due to the attack. The airport’s infrastructure has been damaged severely, complicating both commercial and humanitarian flights into the region. Yemenia Airways has yet to announce when it plans to resume full operations at Sana’a, but the long-term closure of the airport would hinder both domestic and international connections, isolating Yemen further from the rest of the world.

Furthermore, the destruction of aircraft and the suspension of operations will affect the flow of goods and passengers. Yemen, already facing extreme humanitarian challenges, depends on international flights for aid and trade. The attack on the airline’s assets further strains an already fragile infrastructure and deepens the humanitarian crisis in Yemen. The incident is a stark reminder of how conflict and instability in the region can disrupt vital services, including air travel.

Airline Industry in Yemen: A Struggling Sector

The aviation sector in Yemen has struggled throughout the ongoing conflict, with frequent disruptions to air traffic and airport operations. Yemenia Airways, the country’s national carrier, has faced challenges such as limited flight routes, security concerns, and a shrinking fleet. The current situation highlights the vulnerability of aviation industries in conflict zones and the difficulties in maintaining safe and reliable air services in such volatile conditions.

In addition to the destruction of aircraft, Yemenia Airways has had to deal with the effects of a war-torn economy, rising fuel prices, and the overall uncertainty that comes with operating in a conflict zone. The Israeli airstrike on its fleet serves as another setback for the airline, which has been trying to stabilize its operations amid the challenges it faces both at home and abroad.

Conclusion: A Regional Crisis with Global Implications

The Israeli airstrike on Yemenia Airways aircraft in Sana’a International Airport not only exacerbates the humanitarian situation in Yemen but also underscores the geopolitical tensions surrounding the Middle East. The destruction of Yemenia’s fleet comes on the heels of a series of missile attacks, revealing the growing instability in the region, with serious consequences for air travel and international relations.

As Yemenia Airways strives to continue its operations with the remaining aircraft in its fleet, it remains uncertain how long it will be able to maintain service to its international destinations. The conflict in Yemen is far from over, and the destruction of crucial aviation assets will make it even harder for the country to recover economically.

For now, Yemenia Airways remains resilient, but the broader implications of this attack highlight the challenges faced by aviation industries in war zones, as well as the regional volatility that continues to impact the air travel sector. The situation is a stark reminder of how geopolitical conflicts have far-reaching consequences, extending well beyond the battlefield and deeply affecting global air travel operations.