Iranian Aircraft Lands at Sanaa Airport After Disabling Tracking Signal, Sources Say Houthi Delegation Was Transported

An Iranian aircraft arrived at Sanaa International Airport, which is under the control of the Houthi movement, after reportedly concealing parts of its flight path, according to informed sources.

The sources said the aircraft, operated by Iran's Mahan Air, departed from Tehran and landed in Sanaa. They added that the aircraft's tracking signal was switched off several times after it entered Yemeni airspace, preventing continuous monitoring of its route.

Mahan Air has been subject to extensive sanctions by the United States, the European Union, and several other countries since 2011 over allegations that it has provided logistical support and transported personnel and equipment linked to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The airline has denied wrongdoing.

According to the same sources, the aircraft transported a Houthi delegation to Tehran and is expected to return later to bring the delegation back to Sanaa.

The reported flight comes amid continued international concerns over the use of Sanaa International Airport. International reports have accused the Houthi movement of maintaining control of the airport and using it for military-related purposes, making it a repeated target of airstrikes. Each closure of the airport has further compounded the hardships faced by civilians, many of whom rely on it as the primary gateway for travel from northern Yemen.