Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Yemen said the leader of the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC), Aidarus Al-Zubaidi, blocked a Saudi delegation from landing at Aden international airport on Thursday. The incident followed Zubaidi’s reported decision to halt air traffic at the airport.
The STC, which advocates for southern Yemen’s independence, is backed by the United Arab Emirates and has recently seized large areas of southern Yemen from the Saudi-backed internationally recognised government.
Why It Matters
The standoff highlights rising tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, whose rivalry is increasingly shaping Yemen’s fractured conflict despite their past cooperation against the Iran-aligned Houthi movement.
Aden airport is the primary gateway for parts of Yemen outside Houthi control. Disruptions there risk worsening humanitarian conditions and further undermining political coordination among Yemen’s nominal allies.
Saudi Arabia: Supporting Yemen’s recognised government and seeking to curb STC escalation
Southern Transitional Council (STC): UAE-backed separatist group controlling parts of southern Yemen
United Arab Emirates: Regional power backing the STC
Yemen’s recognised government: Losing authority in the south
Yemeni civilians: Dependent on Aden airport for travel and aid access
What’s Next
Saudi Arabia says it attempted dialogue with the STC but faced continued resistance. The STC has accused Riyadh of imposing an air blockade, suggesting the dispute could escalate further.
Whether Gulf powers can de-escalate tensions and restore flights to Aden will be critical for Yemen’s fragile political and security landscape.
With information from Reuters.
