Saudi Envoy’s Plane Denied Landing at Aden Airport

A plane carrying a Saudi Arabian representative was denied permission to land at Yemen’s Aden International Airport, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Yemen said on Friday, further escalating tensions between Riyadh and the United Arab Emirates over influence in the war-torn country.
According to Saudi Ambassador Mohammed Al-Jaber, the landing was blocked by Aidarus al-Zubaidi, leader of the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC), which controls Aden and advocates for southern Yemen’s secession.
In a statement posted on social media platform X, Al-Jaber said Saudi Arabia had made extensive efforts over recent weeks—up until Thursday—to de-escalate tensions with the STC. However, he accused al-Zubaidi of maintaining an “intransigent position” and repeatedly rejecting mediation attempts.
Flights at Aden airport were suspended on Thursday. Local sources told Reuters that the closure was linked to disputes over aviation procedures and overnight flight restrictions, though there remains disagreement among involved parties over how long the suspension will last. Passengers have been left stranded amid the uncertainty.
Analysts believe the airport disruption reflects deepening divisions between Saudi Arabia and UAE-backed forces in Yemen, adding further complexity to the country’s already fragile political and security situation.
The UAE supports the STC, which last month seized control of parts of southern Yemen from the internationally recognised government. Saudi Arabia, a key backer of that government, views the STC’s actions as a direct threat.
In response, Saudi-backed forces have carried out airstrikes on STC positions, issued ultimatums demanding the withdrawal of Emirati troops from Yemen, and the Yemeni government has suspended security agreements with the UAE. These developments have triggered what observers describe as the most serious political crisis between Saudi Arabia and the UAE in more than a decade.