EgyptAir (MS, Cairo International) is the latest international carrier to indefinitely suspend its services to the Yemeni capital of Sana. As with Gulf Air (GF, Bahrain International), which suspended its services yesterday, the Egyptians cite the country's deteriorating geopolitical landscape for the suspension.
On Thursday, March 26 Egypt joined Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) allies Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Sudan, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and Morocco in launching airstrikes against the Iranian-backed Shiite Houthis, entrenched at Delmi air base near Sanaa International Airport. The Houthis have controlled the capital and vast swathes of countryside since September.
In a statement, the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) said it had closed the southern airports of Jazan, Abha, Bisha, Sharurah, Nejran, Al Baha, and Wadi ad Dawasir to both domestic and international traffic for the duration of the bombing raids.
The Saudis claim the presence of Houthi militias armed with short- and medium-range missiles along the country's border with Saudi Arabia is proof the rebels are "a tool in the hands of foreign powers."
