Emirates (EK, Dubai International) and Etihad Airways (EY, Abu Dhabi International) have both suspended their respective services to Sana until further notice following an escalation in violence in and around the Yemeni capital. Other carriers such as EgyptAir (MS, Cairo International) and Royal Jordanian (RJ, Amman Queen Alia) have also rescheduled their services.

"Due to the deteriorating security situation in Yemen, Etihad Airways has suspended all flights to Sana’a with immediate effect and until further notice. The safety of Etihad Airways’ passengers and staff is of paramount importance, and the airline will continue to monitor the situation in Sana’a closely before recommencing scheduled services," the Abu Dhabi-based carrier said in a statement.

Over the last two weeks, Yemen has seen a rise in confrontations between Shiite rebels known as the Houthis and gunmen loyal to the Islah party, the local branch of the Muslim Brotherhood. The two sides fought running battles in Shamlan, a suburb of Sanaa that is home to the Islamic Imam University, an institution seen as a breeding ground for Sunni militants. According to the UAE's National newspaper, the Houthis hit the headquarters of state television with mortars Thursday evening. Thousands have fled their homes in the area.