Ataq Airport in Shabwah Governorate, Yemen, has officially reopened after nearly ten years of closure, following extensive clearance operations conducted by Project Masam, according to a statement issued by its media office.
The airport had remained closed due to contamination from landmines, unexploded ordnance (UXO), and other explosive remnants of war left behind during years of conflict. Contamination of airports and other transport infrastructure has been a major obstacle to Yemen’s recovery, hindering civilian mobility, humanitarian access, and economic activity.
The statement noted that the airport clearance was initiated at the request of the local authority in Shabwah. In September 2021, Project Masam’s Team 9 was deployed to conduct technical survey operations inside the airport perimetre and surrounding areas. The team identified and removed significant quantities of UXO and explosive devices that posed direct risks to aviation and ground operations.
Once the clearance was completed, the area was formally declared safe and ready for rehabilitation.
Mohammed Ali Al-Aslami, Deputy Director of Ataq Airport, stated that the rapid response and technical proficiency of Project Masam’s teams were critical in securing approval from the Civil Aviation Authority to reopen the site. He explained that the approval was granted only after confirming that the airport met all safety requirements for civilian aviation.
The reopening was marked by the landing of the first Yemenia Airways civilian aircraft, a development viewed by local authorities and residents as an important step in restoring essential services and reconnecting Shabwah with other governorates.
The clearance and reopening of Ataq Airport demonstrate how mine action supports broader post-conflict recovery efforts by enabling the rehabilitation of infrastructure, strengthening the movement of people and goods, and improving access for humanitarian and commercial operations.
