Ministry: Yemenia Flight Diverts to Jeddah After Missile Lands Near Aden Runway

ADEN — Yemenia Airways (IY) Flight 603 from Cairo (CAI) diverted to Jeddah (JED) on October 7 after a missile landed near the runway at Aden International Airport (ADE), minutes before the aircraft was due to land, according to a statement from Yemen's Transport Ministry.

The ministry accused the Houthis of targeting the runway and passenger terminal with two ballistic missiles and explosive-laden drones early Wednesday. Authorities canceled the incoming aircraft's landing and diverted it to Saudi Arabia to protect passengers, the ministry said.

Authorities evacuated the terminal and moved two aircraft away from the danger zone amid fears of further strikes, the ministry said.

The Houthis gave a different account of their target, saying they struck Saudi military supplies at Badr camp near the airport, according to The National. The newspaper said no casualties were reported following the airport attack.

Aden is the main international gateway for parts of Yemen outside Houthi control, according to Reuters. The attack came amid renewed fighting, with Yemeni government forces backed by Saudi-led coalition air support launching a counteroffensive this week to recapture territory near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the town of Mocha.