Aden International Airport closes as tensions soar between Saudi Arabia and the UAE amid escalating Yemen conflict
Yemen’s Aden International Airport closed on Thursday due to rising tensions between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), stranding many passengers. This shutdown highlights an escalating crisis between the two Gulf nations over control of Yemen’s resource-rich eastern provinces. Military operations backed by Saudi Arabia resulted in multiple fatalities.Air traffic was suspended following new flight restrictions imposed by Yemen’s internationally recognised government, which is supported by Riyadh. Instead of compliance, Yemen’s transport minister, aligned with the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC), announced a total shutdown, leaving travellers in difficult situations, especially those needing urgent medical care.
The aviation discord exemplifies a larger divide fracturing the Saudi-led coalition involved in the Yemen conflict. Recent Saudi airstrikes targeted an STC military camp in Al-Khasah, resulting in numerous casualties. Saudi-backed forces initiated a military campaign aimed at reclaiming control over territory occupied by the STC.
Gulf Powers
The situation escalated when the STC seized extensive regions in Hadramout and Al-Mahra provinces. Saudi Arabia publicly condemned the UAE’s activities as a threat to its national security and demanded troop withdrawal. In response, the UAE refuted the claims and prepared to withdraw its forces, although the STC has remained entrenched in its positions.
The current conflict marks a significant public feud between Saudi Arabia and the UAE. They have collaborated since 2015 to combat the Iran-backed Houthi rebels, but their diverging interests have increasingly placed them in opposition.
UAE stock markets experienced mixed results on Friday, reflecting the ongoing regional tensions. Dubai’s index rose 1.1 percent, primarily driven by gains in Emaar Development and Emirates NBD Bank. Conversely, Abu Dhabi’s index remained stable, impacted by a downturn in Abu Dhabi National Energy Company.
