The Minister of Information stated that the “readiness of Sana’a Airport” is Houthi propaganda to mislead public opinion and cover up failures.

Houthi Claims of Airport Readiness: A Misleading Propaganda

Minister’s Statement on Houthi Announcements

Yemeni Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism, Muammar Al-Eryani, criticized the Houthi militia’s recent claims regarding the "readiness" of Sanaa International Airport. He described these assertions as mere propaganda, reflecting the militia’s denial of reality. Al-Eryani emphasized that the Houthi narrative aims to mislead public opinion and transform the tragedy of the airport’s destruction into a "false victory."

Extent of Damage to the Airport

In a press statement, Al-Eryani detailed the extensive damage inflicted on the airport’s infrastructure. He noted that the destruction affected passenger terminals, administrative offices, runways, navigation systems, and even the civilian aircraft themselves. This widespread devastation undermines any claims of operational readiness.

Questionable Repairs and Safety Concerns

Al-Eryani pointed out that the Houthi militia’s efforts amounted to little more than laying a rudimentary layer of asphalt on the runway. This surface lacks essential technical and engineering standards, resulting in dust clouds during aircraft landings, akin to a rural road. Furthermore, he criticized the makeshift departure lounge, likening it to a vegetable market, which fails to meet international airport standards.

Risks of Reopening the Airport

The minister warned of severe risks associated with reopening the airport without basic safety measures in place. He highlighted the potential threat to the lives of travelers and the remaining civilian aircraft, which have engines valued between $10 to $15 million. Al-Eryani stressed that taking off and landing on a dilapidated runway could lead to significant damage or render the aircraft inoperable.

Houthi Propaganda and Misleading Claims

Al-Eryani asserted that the Houthi militia’s narrative does not represent genuine rehabilitation efforts. Instead, it serves to obscure the disaster and perpetuate familiar lies through a media propaganda campaign. This strategy aims to create false achievements and mislead the public.

Motives Behind the Rush to Reopen

Regarding the militia’s motivations for hastily reopening the airport despite its lack of readiness and security, Al-Eryani stated that their interests do not align with those of the Yemeni people. He claimed that the airport has become a conduit for smuggling money, militia leaders, and Iranian and Hezbollah experts using forged Yemeni passports.

Call for Genuine Public Service

In conclusion, Al-Eryani urged that if the militia were genuinely concerned about serving the citizens, they would prioritize paying state employees’ salaries, rehabilitating hospitals, restoring electricity, and maintaining roads. He pointed out that the militia possesses sufficient funds to provide these essential services and ensure regular salary payments.

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