Iran-backed Mahan Air flight lands in Sana'a, prompting Yemen government warnings

Iranian airline Mahan Air operated a civilian flight from Tehran to Sana'a International Airport, the first such flight in about eleven years. The Houthis welcomed the landing, saying it broke the siege of the city and thanked Iran, while the Saudi-led coalition condemned the flight as a violation of UN Security Council Resolution 2216 and a breach of Yemeni sovereignty.

Yemen’s internationally recognized government called for an independent UN investigation, alleging the aircraft carried IRGC personnel, military experts, weapons, electronic equipment and that the pilot repeatedly turned off the transponder while over Yemeni airspace. Saudi Arabia warned of “unprecedented” retaliation against any further attacks on Yemeni airports, ports and other infrastructure. Iran’s involvement was highlighted by sanctions lists linking Mahan Air to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.