Astral Aviation, a Nairobi-based all-cargo airline, has halted all humanitarian flights to both Sanaa International Airport in Yemen and Port Sudan New International Airport due to escalating security concerns.
The airline, known for its critical role in delivering humanitarian aid, has operated over 300 flights into Sanaa since 2015 and more than 100 into Port Sudan since mid-2023. Despite the suspension, Astral continues to serve Aden International Airport in Yemen.
Security concerns
This development comes after two major security incidents on May 6, 2025. In Yemen, Sanaa Airport was rendered inoperable following airstrikes reportedly carried out by the Israeli military. The airport has long served as a vital access point for humanitarian relief and personnel.
On the same day, drone attacks struck Port Sudan Airport, leading to the grounding of all commercial and humanitarian flights there. According to UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq, while no UN staff or facilities were directly hit, the attacks have heightened concerns for the safety of humanitarian operations in the region. The UN’s Humanitarian Air Service has also suspended its flights to and from Port Sudan for the time being.
Astral Aviation has been a key logistics partner for the World Food Programme (WFP) since its founding in 1999, often delivering cargo to high-risk and conflict-affected areas across the globe. Its withdrawal from Sanaa and Port Sudan significantly hampers the delivery of essential aid to some of the world’s most vulnerable populations.