The blasts killed at least 22 people and injured several, new government spokesman Rajeh Badi told CNN. All members of the Cabinet are safe, according to Yemeni Prime Minister Maeen Abdulmalek.
It is unclear whether the explosions were caused by missiles fired at the airport. Badi told CNN that the investigation has not yet been completed.
Intelligence Minister Muammar Al Eryani has accused Iran-backed Houthi rebels of being behind the blast – but the group has not claimed responsibility.
Before the attack, hundreds of people gathered at the airport on Wednesday for the arrival of the government, which was sworn in in Saudi Arabia last week.
Filming on the Saudi Arabian channel Al Arabiya showed the timing of the attack: a heavy boom was followed by gunfire. Smoke was seen coming out of the terminal building after the room broke down.
The attack created a large hole in the ground and caused serious damage to an airport hall, according to footage broadcast by Saudi state broadcaster Al-Ekhbraiya.
“The cowardly terrorist act that targeted Aden airport is part of the war against the Yemeni state and our great people and will increase our insistence on fulfilling our duties until the end of the coup, the state will be restored and stability,” he said. -Yemeni Minister.
The United Nations envoy to Yemen, Martin Griffiths, condemned the attack on Twitter. “I wish the Cabinet the strength to cope with the difficult tasks ahead. This unacceptable act of violence is a tragic reminder of the importance of urgently bringing Yemen back on the path to peace,” he added.
A US State Department official said he was “aware of reports of attacks in Aden and saddened by reports of casualties and injuries.”
“The United States supports the Yemeni government and is with the Yemeni people,” the official said.
CNN’s Jennifer Hansler contributed to the report.