What is happening at Sanaa International Airport?
On July 13, 2026, a disruption event affected Sanaa International Airport (SAH), the capital of Yemen. A group of strikers blocked the runway, preventing the takeoff of a Mahan Air flight coming from Iran. This action led to a temporary closure of the runway with an impact level of 3 out of 5, causing delays and potential flight cancellations.
Why did it happen?
The political and security situation in Yemen has been unstable for a long time. In this specific case, the strike appears to be a form of protest against the operations of Mahan Air, an Iranian airline subject to political controversies and regional tensions.
Which flights and airports are at risk?
The event directly concerns Sanaa International Airport (/airports/sah/), where the runway was temporarily blocked. Consequently:
- Arriving and departing flights from Sanaa Airport are suspended or delayed until further notice.
- In particular, flights by Mahan Air from Iran are blocked.
Passengers with departing or arriving flights at SAH are encouraged to contact their respective airlines for updates.
Passenger rights under EU261
The European EU261 regulation protects passengers in case of delays, cancellations, and denied boarding on flights operated by EU airlines or flights to/from EU airports. However:
- Since Yemen is not an EU country and Mahan Air is not a European airline, the EU261 regulation does not apply to this episode.
- Passengers cannot therefore rely on compensation or assistance provided by EU261 for this specific case.
This does not exclude that some airlines may offer voluntary assistance or alternatives following the difficulties.
Practical advice for travelers
If you plan to travel from Sanaa Airport or with Mahan Air in the coming hours, consider the following advice:
- Check your flight status: before heading to the airport, verify the updated status of your flight via the airline’s website or call center.
- Prepare for possible delays or cancellations: consider the possibility of rebooking on alternative flights or routes via other nearby airports.
- Arrive early at the airport: if the flight is not canceled, show up well in advance for any additional checks or boarding changes.
- Maintain regular contacts: use messaging apps and email to communicate with the airline and travel agencies.
Alternatives and nearby airports
In case of cancellation or inability to fly from Sanaa, consider alternative airports in the region. Unfortunately, the geopolitical situation severely limits options in Yemen. Depending on your itinerary, you might consider airports in nearby countries, always respecting international safety regulations.
Sources
- Original article on AeroTime: Yemen strikes capital’s airport runway to block Mahan Air flight from Iran
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