Mukalla (South24)

After a decade-long pause, Yemen’s Transport Ministry resumed direct flights between Al-Rayyan International Airport in Mukalla, in Hadramout Governorate, to Cairo Airport in Egypt.

The first flight took off on Sunday, January 26.

In media statements, Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) member Faraj Al-Bahsani said that the resumption of direct flights represents an important step to enhance communication between Yemen and Egypt.

دشن عضو مجلس القيادة الرئاسي اللواء الركن فرج سالمين البحسني، اليوم، استئناف الرحلات الجوية المباشرة بين مطار الريان الدولي في مدينة المكلا بحضرموت ومطار القاهرة الدولي بجمهورية مصر العربية، وذلك بعد توقف دام أكثر من عشر سنوات.

وأكد عضو مجلس القيادة الرئاسي البحسني -خلال… pic.twitter.com/a0I7n4jog5

— فرج البحسني - Faraj Al-Bahsani (@Farag_ALbahsani) January 26, 2025

"We appreciate the efforts of the Egyptian authorities and their great cooperation in granting the necessary permits to resume flights. This step comes to enhance air transport services and provide easy options for travelers," Al-Bahsani said.

Yemeni Minister of Transport Abdul Salam Hamid said: "Al-Rayyan International Airport, which is the third largest airport in Yemen, is regaining its position today."

He pointed out that flights from the airport now include Al-Rayyan to Dubai - Al-Rayyan to Jeddah - Al-Rayyan to Cairo. He pointed out that the Ministry of Transport pays special attention to Hadramout Governorate due to its multiple air, sea and land ports.

Al-Rayyan Airport is the most important airport in Hadramout. It was closed in 2015 after the extremist Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) organization took control of the city of Mukalla for a year.

The airport remained closed for years after that. It housed fighters and officers from the Saudi-led Coalition.

Egypt is a major destination for Yemenis for medical treatment, tourism and study.

Over the past two years, the Yemeni Ministry of Transport has succeeded in improving the services of Aden International Airport and restoring the activity of Ataq International Airport in Shabwa Governorate.