[21/07/2026 02:28]

MONTREAL-SABA

Yemen has called on the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to uphold international aviation law and ensure respect for the sovereignty of member states following the unauthorized entry of an Iranian aircraft into Yemeni airspace.

Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Shaya Zindani conveyed the government's position in letters to ICAO Secretary-General Juan Carlos Salazar and President of the ICAO Council Toshiyuki Ono, outlining Yemen's concerns over the incident and its implications for international civil aviation.

The letters were delivered by Yemen's Ambassador to Canada Jamal Al-Sallal during a meeting at ICAO headquarters in Montreal with President of the ICAO Council Toshiyuki Ono. ICAO Secretary-General Juan Carlos Salazar and Director of Air Transport Mohammed Khalifa joined the meeting via video conference.

The government said the Iranian aircraft entered Yemeni airspace and landed without authorization from the internationally recognized government, calling the incident a clear violation of Yemen's sovereignty, international law, and the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation.

Yemen urged ICAO to discharge its responsibilities by safeguarding the sovereignty of member states and preserving the integrity of their airspace. It also reaffirmed its right, under the UN Charter and international law, to take all lawful measures necessary to protect its sovereignty and national airspace.

The meeting also reviewed civil aviation safety and security in Yemen and discussed ways to deepen cooperation and coordination with ICAO to strengthen compliance with international aviation standards and recommended practices.

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