Four executives from Yemenia Airlines indicated that "the company will suspend its only international commercial flight from the Yemeni capital to Jordan in response to the Houthi group's management preventing the company from withdrawing its funds from banks in Sana'a." On Saturday, Yemenia Airlines canceled its flights through Sana'a Airport in a move reflecting a new direction towards closing the only air outlet for the majority of Yemenis. Aviation sources reported that the company, which monopolizes transport lines inside and outside Yemen, canceled all scheduled flights for October and removed Sana'a Airport from the system.
In a statement to Reuters, company officials said: "We will suspend six weekly flights to Jordan in October after negotiations with the Houthis failed to secure the release of the company’s funds, which they said amount to $80 million." The sources added, "The company proposed that the Houthi government receive 70% of the funds, while the remaining 30% would go to the internationally recognized government." However, "the Houthi management rejected this proposal, leading the airline to decide to suspend its flights to Jordan."
The company clarified in a statement that it "has been unable to withdraw its funds from banks in Sana'a for several months, urging the Houthi authorities to lift the 'illegally' imposed restrictions on its assets."
