By Faisal Abu Bakr | 2026-02-17

The Houthis' refusal to let a Yemeni Airways flight land at Al-Mokha International Airport highlights their disregard of the humanitarian needs of the Yemenis.

It is estimated that the Houthis' control over telecommunications and internet services generates billions of dollars for the group.

This vast revenue is diverted toward war efforts rather than addressing the humanitarian crisis that has left millions of Yemenis in desperate need of aid.

According to the state-run SABA news agency, the Yemeni presidency condemned the Houthi group for preventing a flight from Jeddah from landing at Al-Mokha Airport.

An official source in the presidency described this interference as both a direct violation of civilian rights and a threat against Yemen's national sovereignty.

Exploiting digital infrastructure

By monopolizing Yemen's telecommunications, internet, and air traffic control, the Houthi group leverages critical infrastructure to advance Iranian strategic goals.

This control allows them to finance and coordinate military operations while systematically suppressing domestic dissent.

"Houthi control over Sanaa-based digital and aviation infrastructure provides the group with significant strategic leverage," Fares al-Najjar, an economic adviser to the Yemeni president’s office told Al-Fassel.

He specifically highlighted that "this control allows Houthis to collect approximately three million dollars per month in transit fees for flights passing through Yemeni airspace."

Located on Mount Nabi Shuaib, this strategic air traffic control and radar facility is currently under Houthi control.

Since seizing control of Sanaa in September 2014, the Houthi group has reportedly amassed approximately $400 million in accumulated aircraft transit fees.

"The Houthi militias divert these funds to bolster their military and economic infrastructure, fueling a parallel economy that prioritizes Iranian regional interests over the welfare of the Yemeni people," al-Najjar said.

Rather than being used for the public good, these funds are diverted away from paying employees' salaries or alleviating the humanitarian crisis in Houthi-controlled areas.

"The Houthi militia generates over a billion dollars annually from the telecommunications and internet sectors, diverting these funds to finance military operations rather than supporting humanitarian relief efforts for the Yemeni people," claimed economist Abdul Aziz Thabet.

Disruption of vital services

The Houthi block on the passenger flight underscores a blatant disregard for the welfare of Yemenis, prioritizing political dominance over the basic freedom of movement.

"The landing ban led to the detention of 152 passengers, including the elderly and those requiring medical care," political analyst Mahmoud al-Taher told Al-Fassel.

He noted that "the Houthis' control over air traffic systems proves their readiness to disrupt essential services just to preserve their grip on power."