Aden, Yemen, 7 October, (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – A major Aden airport attack involving Houthi ballistic missiles and explosive-laden drones has disrupted civilian aviation as fighting between the Iran-aligned group and Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces intensifies across several fronts. Yemen’s Transport Ministry said a missile landed near the runway shortly before an aircraft arriving from Cairo was due to land, prompting authorities to divert the flight to Jeddah. No casualties were reported.
Houthi missiles and drones target Aden International Airport
Yemen’s Transport Ministry said at least two ballistic missiles and several explosive-laden drones were used in Wednesday’s assault on Aden International Airport, the principal international gateway serving areas outside Houthi control.
The authorities evacuated the airport terminal and moved two aircraft away from the tarmac during the attack. The approaching Cairo flight was prevented from landing and diverted to Saudi Arabia to protect passengers.
Aden’s Security Department separately confirmed that two missiles targeted the airport and said there were no reported casualties.
The Houthis gave a different description of their target. The group said it had struck “Saudi military supplies” arriving at Badr military camp near the airport with ballistic missiles.
Yemen government warns of threat to civilian aviation
The Aden airport attack raised immediate concerns about civilian aviation because of the proximity of the missile strike to an incoming passenger aircraft.
Yemen’s Transport Ministry warned that the incident could have resulted in a serious humanitarian disaster had the missile hit the approaching aircraft or airport facilities while passengers were present.
The disruption comes as missile and drone attacks extend beyond Yemen. The Saudi-led coalition said it had intercepted Houthi ballistic missiles, while the Houthis claimed strikes against airports and military facilities inside Saudi Arabia.
Saudi-backed forces intensify offensive against Houthis
The latest strikes come amid renewed battlefield pressure on the Houthis.
Yemeni government forces, supported by Saudi-led coalition air power, launched a rapid counter-offensive this week aimed at recovering territory along Yemen’s Red Sea coast and around the strategically important Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
The waterway connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and is a strategically important route for international shipping, giving the renewed fighting consequences beyond Yemen.
The current escalation follows years of conflict dating to the Houthis’ seizure of Sanaa in 2014. Saudi Arabia intervened militarily in 2015 in support of Yemen’s internationally recognised government. Fighting declined substantially after a UN-mediated truce in 2022, but no comprehensive political settlement ended the war.
Why the Aden airport strike matters
The renewed conflict poses risks to civilians, aviation and international shipping.
Aden has served as the seat of Yemen’s internationally recognised government since the Houthis took control of Sanaa. Its airport therefore provides a crucial international connection for government-controlled parts of the country.
The Aden airport attack also demonstrates how quickly renewed ground fighting can spill over into attacks on infrastructure used by civilians.
Any sustained confrontation around Bab el-Mandeb could create additional concerns for commercial shipping through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
What happens next in Yemen?
Saudi-backed government forces are continuing military operations against Houthi positions, while the Saudi-led coalition has said it is tracking missile launch infrastructure and targeting facilities associated with Houthi attacks.
The immediate focus will be on whether Wednesday’s escalation develops into sustained missile and drone exchanges and whether further attacks disrupt civilian aviation or shipping around Yemen.
With government forces pushing towards Houthi-held territory and the group demonstrating its ability to launch longer-range strikes, the renewed confrontation represents a significant test for efforts to prevent Yemen from returning to prolonged large-scale warfare.
