Iranian Plane Diverts Course Near Omani Airspace En Route to Yemen

An Iranian Mahan Air flight, believed to be heading to Sanaa International Airport, diverted its course and returned to Tehran on Saturday after approaching Omani airspace near the Dhofar Governorate.

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

This incident occurs amidst heightened tensions regarding Iranian flights to Sanaa. The Yemeni government has previously stated its refusal to accept any flights that do not adhere to official channels and secure approval from the competent authorities.

Earlier, the Yemeni Ministry of Defense announced an operation targeting the runway at Sanaa Airport, asserting that the measure was taken to prevent the landing of the Iranian aircraft. The ministry also urged civilians to stay clear of the airport vicinity for their safety.

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

The flight also coincided with the Houthi militia's rejection of a Jordanian initiative to operate flights from Queen Alia International Airport to Sanaa, a move welcomed by the Yemeni government. The militia's insistence on facilitating Iranian flights suggests a military, rather than solely humanitarian, objective.

The same aircraft had previously arrived at Sanaa Airport approximately two weeks prior, departing for Tehran with a Houthi delegation on board. That flight generated considerable controversy and drew objections from the Yemeni government concerning its operational procedures.