The Iranian daily Shargh, citing the Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar, reported that a second commercial flight operated by Iran’s Mahan Air is scheduled to land in Sana’a within the coming hours. Houthi officials and local civil aviation authorities in the Yemeni capital are reportedly finalizing preparations to receive the aircraft.
This flight marks the rapid continuation of direct aviation links established between Tehran and Sana’a, a development that has triggered sharp condemnation from Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s internationally recognized government.
According to the report, the leadership within the Ansar Allah (Houthis) movement is concurrently evaluating strategies to leverage the group’s strategic positioning over the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The group aims to use the vital maritime chokepoint as economic and military pressure against Riyadh. This strategic evaluation follows unconfirmed reports from yesterday regarding maritime security incidents involving commercial vessels transiting the strait.
The inaugural direct Mahan Air flight to Sana’a took place on July 2. Houthi officials confirmed that on its return leg to Tehran, the aircraft transported more than 200 passengers, including individuals seeking medical treatment, alongside an official Houthi diplomatic delegation dispatched to attend the state funeral ceremonies for the late Iranian Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.
