Israel strikes Sanaa airport, destroys Yemen’s last remaining plane

Israel strikes Yemen airport, destroys last remaining plane — Israeli airstrikes have destroyed the last functioning aircraft at Sanaa International Airport, May 28, 2025. Photo: Video/al-Masirah, a television station run by the Houthi group/x

SANAA,— Israeli airstrikes have destroyed the last functioning aircraft at Sanaa International Airport, according to Israeli officials and a Yemeni aviation source, following an earlier attack that had already caused significant damage.

Multiple strikes hit the runway and a Yemenia Airways aircraft on the tarmac late Tuesday, based on footage and reports shared by Al-Masirah, a media outlet affiliated with the Houthi movement.

The television channel condemned what it called an “Israeli act of aggression” on its official X account.

Thick plumes of smoke rose from the scene, with video posted by airport director Khaled al-Shaief showing the burning jet. Al-Shaief confirmed it was the only remaining operational plane at the facility.

According to Houthi officials, the airport had resumed limited flight operations on May 17, just 11 days after an earlier Israeli strike reportedly destroyed six other planes.

The Israeli military stated the latest operation targeted what it described as “terrorist infrastructure” at the airport used by the Houthi group.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said the attack was a response to the group launching two projectiles toward Israel the previous day.

Israel claims the targeted aircraft had been used by the Houthis to transport operatives involved in attacks against Israeli interests.

Yemenia, the national carrier, said in a statement that the destroyed aircraft had been scheduled to carry pilgrims to Mecca for the annual hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.

The Houthis, based in northern Yemen, have been launching drones and missiles toward Israel and Red Sea commercial routes since the beginning of the Gaza conflict in late 2023. In response, Israeli, U.S., and British forces have carried out strikes on Houthi-controlled areas.

A temporary ceasefire agreement between the U.S. and the Houthis earlier this month reduced the intensity of American-led military operations, though Houthi attacks have continued.

In a separate statement, U.N. envoy Hans Grundberg warned that rising tensions involving the Houthis and Israel are further destabilizing conditions in Yemen, where years of conflict have already displaced millions and left the population in urgent need of humanitarian aid.

The airport in Sanaa had only recently resumed services after being closed for six years during Yemen’s civil war, allowing limited travel to cities such as Amman, Jordan.

(With files from AFP)