Iranian Airliner Diverted Near Omani Airspace Amid Sanaa Flight Tensions

An Iranian Mahan Air flight reportedly turned back towards Tehran on Saturday after approaching Omani airspace near the Dhofar Governorate, a journey believed to be destined for Sanaa International Airport, currently under Houthi control.

Flight tracking data indicated the aircraft, an Airbus A340-313 registered EP-MMC, departed Imam Khomeini International Airport in Tehran under flight number IRM1199 (W51199). However, it altered its course and returned to Iran without completing its planned route.

This incident occurs amidst escalating tensions surrounding Iranian flights to Sanaa. The Yemeni government has previously asserted its rejection of any flights not conducted through official channels and without the approval of relevant authorities.

Earlier, the Yemeni Ministry of Defense announced it had targeted the runway at Sanaa Airport. The ministry stated this action was taken to prevent the landing of the Iranian aircraft and urged civilians to stay clear of the airport vicinity for their safety.

The ministry accused Houthi militias of obstructing the operation of Yemeni national carrier flights while permitting Iranian aircraft to utilize airspace and airports under their control. This was deemed a violation of Yemeni sovereignty.

The flight coincided with the Houthi militia's rejection of a Jordanian initiative to operate flights from Queen Alia Airport to Sanaa, an initiative welcomed by the government. The militia's insistence on operating Iranian flights suggests a military rather than purely humanitarian purpose.

This same aircraft had arrived at Sanaa Airport approximately two weeks prior, departing for Tehran with a Houthi delegation onboard. That flight generated significant controversy and objections from the Yemeni government regarding its operational procedures.