Sana’a rejects the UAE’s attempts to control Socotra International Airport

Sana’a – Al-Khabar A-Yemeni:

The General Authority for Civil Aviation and Meteorology in Sana’a confirmed its categorical rejection of the attempt to hand over the management of Socotra International Airport to the Emirati “Eastern Triangle” company, considering it a blatant violation of national sovereignty and a squandering of the rights of Yemenis in managing their resources.

The authority explained in an official statement on Sunday that this step contradicts Articles (32) and (34) of the Yemeni Civil Aviation Law, which prohibit any foreign interference in the management of Yemeni airports. The statement stressed that the airport is currently being managed by qualified Yemeni cadres who provide distinguished services in accordance with international standards.

It also considered that handing over the airport to a foreign company represents a direct threat to national sovereignty, warning of serious consequences of these measures that aim to marginalize the national cadre and replace it with external parties.

The authority described these movements as “vague and suspicious” and reflected a state of subservience and dependence on external forces, calling for confronting attempts to desecrate the airport and change its national identity under illegal pretexts.

The statement also condemned attempts to impose external authority on the airport without any legal cover, stressing that Sana’a will not tolerate any threat to Yemeni sovereignty, and will continue to support Yemeni employees in rejecting any external interference that affects the independence of their work.

The authority praised the national positions rejecting this step, stressing that the UAE is trying to impose its influence on Socotra through controlling its vital institutions, including airports and ports, as part of its efforts to impose a long-term colonial reality on the strategic Yemeni island.

The authority affirmed that the airport will continue to operate with high professionalism and away from any political conflicts, warning of dire consequences of any attempts to undermine Yemen’s sovereignty over its lands and international airports.