International Transport Workers' Federation Condemns Attack on Aden Airport
The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) in the Arab World condemned the attacks targeting Aden International Airport, considering them a threat to the safety of civilians, passengers, and transport sector workers, with serious repercussions for essential services and humanitarian efforts in Yemen.
In a statement published on its Facebook account, the Federation stressed the need to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, ensure the safety of workers and passengers, stop the attacks, and prioritize dialogue and political solutions to end the war.
The statement noted that Aden Airport is a vital gateway for Yemenis to travel for medical treatment, education, work, and family reunification, in addition to its role in supporting the humanitarian response. The disruption of its services exacerbates the suffering of the population and denies them access to their basic needs.
The International Transport Workers' Federation in the Arab World called for a halt to the attacks on Aden Airport and for all parties to commit to protecting airports and civilian facilities, and preserving their civilian character.
It also demanded that the safety of workers and passengers be guaranteed in coordination with the relevant unions, that support be provided to those affected, and that the competent Yemeni authorities repair the damage and restore affected services after meeting safety and security requirements.
The statement called on the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to act within its mandate and in coordination with relevant authorities to support civil aviation safety and mitigate risks, as well as to conduct an independent, transparent investigation and hold those responsible for any violations accountable through competent mechanisms, and to ensure unimpeded access for humanitarian aid.
According to local sources, the Houthis targeted Aden International Airport with a ballistic missile on Wednesday, before calling for its evacuation under the pretext that it was receiving a Saudi plane carrying weapons.
Yemenia Airways later announced the diversion of its flights destined for Aden International Airport to Djibouti Airport, due to the exceptional circumstances at Aden International Airport.
Minister of Transport Mohsen Al-Omari also announced the resumption of normal operations at Aden International Airport on Thursday morning, following a temporary halt due to the Houthi shelling the airport sustained on Wednesday evening.
Source: International Transport Workers' Federation - Facebook
