At an international meeting in Oman, Yemen calls on donors to support its comprehensive national civil aviation program

Yemeni Minister of Transport, Dr. Abdul Salam Hamid, stressed the urgent need for international support to complete a comprehensive national civil aviation program in Yemen.

This came during his participation in the high-level ministerial meeting on international civil aviation security, organized by the Civil Aviation Authority in the Sultanate of Oman, as part of the activities of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Security Week 2024.

According to Saba News Agency, the Minister of Transport called on the International Civil Aviation Organization to support Yemen technically and financially to complete the national civil aviation program, and urged the participating countries to adhere to the Muscat Declaration and its positive recommendations.

The meeting witnessed the discussion and approval of the "Muscat Declaration", which focuses on key issues such as cybersecurity and the protection of critical aviation infrastructure, in preparation for the 42nd session of the ICAO General Assembly scheduled for September 2025.

In his speech, Minister Hamid stressed the vital role of air transport in supporting the global economy and enhancing trade and tourism, in addition to responding to crises and linking remote areas to major economic centres.

He also reviewed the devastating impact of the war sparked by the Iran-backed Houthi militia on the Yemeni air transport sector, pointing to the hijacking of four planes at Sana'a airport and the confiscation of financial assets exceeding $130 million from Yemenia Airlines.

Minister Hamid explained that the Civil Aviation Authority in Aden, with the support of the Ministry of Transport and the government, is working to develop aviation security systems in cooperation with ICAO and international organizations, by organizing training programs and restoring and equipping airports in the liberated areas with the support of the Arab coalition.

The meeting witnessed the approval of the Muscat Declaration as a guiding pledge to enhance aviation security, obligating all ICAO member states to act in accordance with its contents.