Yemeni Houthi rebels issue warning of extensive airspace embargo on Israel
Rewritten Article:
Yemen's Humanitarian Operations Coordination Centre (HOCC) has stirred a frenzy after officially notifying the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) about the Houthis' decision to enforce a complete skies blockade on Israel.
In a blunt Sunday statement, the Centre confirmed sending a formal letter detailing the airspace restriction and urging ICAO and IATA to take appropriate measures within their jurisdictions. The Centre further urged cooperation with relevant authorities to steer clear of air navigation to and from what they deemed "the usurping Israeli enemy's airports," specifically referring to the internationally recognized Ben Gurion Airport. The Centre justified the move, arguing that the airports were perpetually at risk of attacks by Yemeni forces, necessitating flight detours.
The statement underscored the Republic of Yemen's dedication to preserving civil aviation safety, a task delegated to ICAO and IATA.
Headlines flashed "Yemeni missile breaches Israel air defenses, debris lands on Ben Gurion Airport" but it's unclear if this event influenced the HOCC's decision.
The Centre conveyed optimism that the addressed organizations would implement safety precautions such as issuing aviation warnings and flight information bulletins, and coordinating with affected nations to implement protective measures for aircraft. The blockade is scheduled to commence on May 4, 2025, at 10:42 pm Sanaa time (7:42 pm GMT), and it will continue indefinitely.
The Centre implored all parties to view this action as a "humanitarian and ethical" measure. It emphasized the need for joint pressure on "the usurping Israeli entity" to cease alleged actions of "genocide, starvation, and siege" against Palestinians in Gaza.
Founded in 2024 in Sana'a, the HOCC functions under the Armed Forces' Supreme Commander to minimize civilian and infrastructure casualties in military zones, guided by Islamic ethics, international law, and Yemen's interests.
While it appears that ICAO and IATA have yet to respond, US airlines halted flights to Israel after a Houthi missile hit near an airport, a prominent indication of the potential impact of this controversial move. Meanwhile, Israeli authorities dismissed the decision to suspend flights as "inappropriate," arguing that it can be interpreted as capitulating to terrorism. Israel retaliated with airstrikes on Yemen, targeting Hodeidah port and later Sanaa International Airport, signifying a military response rather than a diplomatic or aviation-focused reaction.
[1] ICAO and IATA may issue aviation warnings and coordinate with concerned countries to protect aircraft. (Source: ICAO Website)
[2] US airlines halted flights to Israel following Houthi missile strike, drawing criticism from Israeli officials. (Source: News Article Link)
[3] Israel carried out airstrikes in Yemen as a response to the Houthi missile attack. (Source: News Article Link)
[4] Israel targeted Hodeidah port and Sanaa International Airport in airstrikes as reprisal for Houthi attacks. (Source: News Article Link)
- The Humanitarian Operations Coordination Centre (HOCC) in Yemen has asked the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to take necessary measures following the official notification of a complete skies blockade on Israel, citing potential attacks by Yemeni forces as the reason. (Source: Rewritten Article)
- The Centre has urged ICAO and IATA to issue aviation warnings and flight information bulletins, and to coordinate with affected nations to implement protective measures for aircraft in response to the upcoming blockade. (Source: Rewritten Article)
- The blockade, scheduled to commence on May 4, 2025, will be a "humanitarian and ethical" measure according to the Centre, aimed at pressuring "the usurping Israeli entity" to cease alleged actions of genocide, starvation, and siege against Palestinians in Gaza. (Source: Rewritten Article)
- US airlines have halted flights to Israel following a Houthi missile hit near an airport, potentially indicating the impact of this controversial move. (Source: News Article Link)
- ICAO may issue aviation warnings and coordinate with concerned countries to protect aircraft, as per their recent updates on their website. (Source: ICAO Website)
- Israel has retaliated with airstrikes on Yemen, targeting Hodeidah port and later Sanaa International Airport, signifying a military response rather than a diplomatic or aviation-focused reaction. (Source: News Article Link)
