Saudi–Emirati Escalation in Yemen: Closure of Aden Airport Deepens the Rift and Raises Serious Questions

NYN | Reports and Analyses 

Saudi sources have revealed a new escalatory step amid growing tensions between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi in Yemen, represented by the closure of Aden International Airport following a decision by the Southern Transitional Council (STC).

Reuters quoted a Saudi source as saying that this move constitutes a direct challenge to a ban imposed by Saudi Arabia on air and maritime traffic arriving from Emirati airports and ports to the airports and ports of the southern governorates.

A Saudi Ban and a Field Response by the STC

According to the source, the Saudi ban included flights to and from points believed to be under Emirati influence, as part of measures Riyadh described as regulatory and security-related. However, the response came swiftly with the closure of Aden Airport, reflecting an unprecedented level of escalation between the two sides.

Emirati Withdrawal or Repositioning?

This development brings back to the forefront serious questions about the reality of the UAE’s announced withdrawal of its forces from Yemen—whether it was an actual withdrawal or merely a redeployment through local proxies, foremost among them the Southern Transitional Council.

The escalation also raises concerns about the Saudi–Emirati dispute sliding into an indirect confrontation on Yemeni soil, amid a struggle for influence and control over ports, airports, and strategic sites in the south of the country.

An Uncertain Future for the Southern Scene

Observers believe that the closure of Aden Airport carries not only service-related implications, but also a heavy political and security message. It signals further complexity in the Yemeni landscape and places the former alliance before an open test that could alter the equations of the conflict in the coming phase.