Mahan Air Flight Diverted to Hudaydah After Saudi Attack on Sanaa Runways

SANAA, Yemen — A Mahan Air passenger flight was forced to divert from its intended destination of Sanaa International Airport to the port city of Hudaydah early Sunday after a coordinated attack disabled runways at the capital's main airfield. The incident occurred on July 13, 2026, marking a significant escalation in aerial infrastructure targeting within Yemen.

The Iranian carrier was en route from Tehran when it received notification that landing and takeoff operations at Sanaa were suspended due to damage inflicted by Saudi-led coalition forces. Authorities confirmed the runways had been struck, rendering them unsafe for commercial traffic. The aircraft successfully landed at Al Hudaydah International Airport without reported injuries or mechanical failures.

Saudi Arabia has not issued an immediate statement regarding the specific targeting of civilian air infrastructure in Sanaa, though military operations against Houthi-controlled facilities have intensified over recent months. The attack appears designed to sever logistical and diplomatic links passing through Yemen's capital. Mahan Air is one of several international carriers that maintain limited flights into Sanaa, often serving as a critical lifeline for humanitarian aid and government officials.

Passengers aboard the diverted flight were held at Hudaydah airport while airline representatives assessed alternative routing options. Local authorities in Hudaydah facilitated the temporary stay but indicated that no immediate return to Tehran was possible due to airspace restrictions over central Yemen. The status of other scheduled flights into Sanaa remains uncertain as engineers evaluate the extent of damage to taxiways and terminal facilities.

The diversion underscores the fragility of air travel in a region where conflict has long disrupted essential services. While previous strikes on Yemeni airports have targeted military assets, this incident directly impacted civilian aviation capabilities. No casualties were reported among passengers or crew during the emergency landing procedure.

Questions remain regarding whether Sanaa International Airport will be closed indefinitely or if repairs can restore operations within days. The Iranian airline has not confirmed when it plans to resume scheduled services to Yemen's capital. Meanwhile, diplomatic channels are expected to address the implications of striking a facility used by international flights under current security protocols.

As of late Sunday afternoon, no further attacks on Hudaydah airport had been reported, though military analysts warn that additional infrastructure could be targeted in coming days if tensions continue to rise between regional powers. The incident has drawn attention from aviation safety monitors concerned about the growing risks faced by commercial operators flying through conflict zones.