Geneva – SAM Organization for Rights and Liberties stated that the Houthi authorities' prevention of a Yemen Airways civilian aircraft from landing at Al-Mokha Airport is a blatant violation of international norms and conventions that neutralize civil aviation from conflicts. It is a flagrant encroachment that undermines efforts to alleviate the siege on civilians and facilitate their movement. The organization emphasized that this incident represents a direct threat to the safety of civil aviation and reveals the ongoing exploitation of airspace within the conflict context.

SAM reported that the flight was traveling from King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah to Al-Mokha Airport in Taiz Governorate. However, it was prevented from completing its journey and landing at its destination because it did not receive entry permission from the air navigation tower controlled by the Houthi group in Sana'a. Consequently, the aircraft was forced to return to Jeddah airport approximately one hour after takeoff.

According to flight tracking data, the aircraft (Flight No. 529) turned back before entering Yemeni airspace. This incident raises serious concerns about the neutrality of air navigation management and the need to distance it from political and military tensions, especially as the first flights to and from Al-Mokha Airport are being launched to alleviate humanitarian suffering and enhance civilian freedom of movement.

The organization asserted that preventing a civilian aircraft from landing without safety justifications may constitute a gross violation of the 1944 Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation, which mandates that parties ensure air navigation security and protect civilian aircraft from unlawful interference. Such behavior may also be considered prohibited interference in civil aviation according to International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) rules, undermining trust in air transport safety.

SAM stressed that using airspace as a tool for pressure or conflict violates civilian rights, most notably the right to freedom of movement and safe access to transport. This could lead to isolating entire areas and depriving residents of travel for humanitarian reasons, such as medical treatment and family reunification.

The organization added that the incident reflects a concerning pattern of militarizing civilian infrastructure in Yemen, violating International Humanitarian Law principles that require protecting civilian facilities from conflict risks. SAM called on the Houthi group to commit to international civil aviation rules and stop any practices that politicize airspace management or endanger civilian flights.

Additionally, it requested the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to conduct an independent technical review to investigate the circumstances and prevent recurrence. It emphasized that protecting civil aviation is a legal obligation primarily aimed at preserving civilian lives and maintaining the continuity of public life.