Saudi Arabia Imposes New Jeddah Inspection for Aden–UAE Flights

Post by : Mina Rahman

The transport ministry of Yemen has announced that Saudi Arabia has implemented new inspection protocols for flights operating through Aden International Airport, raising fresh alarms regarding aviation limitations in southern Yemen.

In a statement released on Thursday, the ministry revealed that all flights either departing from or arriving at Aden must now make a stop in Jeddah for inspections prior to proceeding. Officials characterized this action as unforeseen, noting that it disrupts long-standing aviation procedures.

The ministry's stance aligns with that of the Southern Transitional Council (STC), a separatist coalition that enjoys UAE backing. Following the imposition of these new regulations, local aviation officials sought clarity from Saudi counterparts, who confirmed that inspections affect flights traveling specifically between Aden and the UAE.

As of yet, no formal rationale has been provided for this decision. There have been no public comments from either Saudi Arabia or the UAE explaining the reasoning behind the inspections.

The transport ministry has strongly condemned these actions, dubbing them an “air blockade” that further complicates travel for Yemeni citizens. It has called for the immediate rescindment of these measures and urged a return to the previous direct flight protocols.

This occurrence is particularly critical as tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE have escalated in recent months. Both nations are principal allies in the coalition involved in Yemen, but they have increasingly struggled with differing economic priorities and regional dynamics, particularly in southern Yemen and the Red Sea corridor.

The situation intensified last month when STC forces advanced into Yemen’s eastern governorates of Hadramout and Mahra, seizing control of a rich oil region and displacing Saudi-supported National Shield Forces, further deepening rifts among coalition factions.

Yemen has endured a protracted civil conflict for over a decade, with Iran-aligned Houthi forces dominating the northern territories, while the internationally accepted government operates from the southern regions with Saudi support. Simultaneously, the UAE supports southern separatists aiming to reinstate South Yemen as an independent state, which existed from 1967 to 1990.

In light of rising tensions, the U.S. has encouraged all involved entities to engage in dialogue to prevent further confrontations. Reports indicate that Saudi Arabia has called for STC forces to retreat from disputed regions and to cede military facilities back to local governments.

Local leadership from Hadramout has confirmed the withdrawal of UAE-supported forces from the al-Rayyan military base near Mukalla, including surrounding airport zones. Nevertheless, experts caution that the situation remains precarious and could evolve swiftly.

Analysts believe that the newly instituted aviation inspections signify deeper political and security tensions within the coalition and generate fresh worries about stability, movement, and governance in southern Yemen.