Aden (South24 Center)

Yemen’s Ministry of Transport announced on Sunday, January 4, the resumption of flights from Aden International Airport, effective immediately, following a three-day suspension. The decision came after consultations between the ministry and Saudi authorities to address issues related to air traffic management procedures.

According to the ministry, the resumption includes Yemenia Airways flights to Riyadh, Jeddah, Amman, and Cairo. No further details were provided regarding the revised operational arrangements.

Flight operations at Aden International Airport were suspended on Thursday, January 1, after Saudi authorities introduced sudden measures requiring all outbound international flights to transit through Jeddah Airport for inspection. The move prompted objections from Yemen’s Ministry of Transport and the General Authority of Civil Aviation, which described the measures as inconsistent with international aviation regulations and restrictive to the principle of freedom of air transport.

In an earlier statement, the ministry said a memorandum issued by the Arab Coalition’s Evacuation and Humanitarian Operations Cell mandated inspection of all international flights via Jeddah Airport for both outbound and inbound travel. A subsequent revised memorandum reinstated the previously agreed inspection mechanism, with the exception of flights to and from the United Arab Emirates, specifically Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

The ministry warned that maintaining these procedures for UAE-bound flights, which account for some of the busiest routes with approximately five flights per week, would exacerbate difficulties for Yemeni travelers. Potential impacts include higher ticket prices, longer travel times, and increased operational burdens on airline crews.

The ministry also highlighted the humanitarian implications, particularly for patients and elderly travelers, noting that a significant number of Yemenis rely on these destinations for medical treatment abroad.

Previously, informed sources told South24 that Saudi Arabia had suspended the issuance of flight permits, reinstated inspection requirements at its airports, and imposed a requirement for airlines to submit passenger manifests and personal data 48 hours prior to departure.

These measures effectively led to the suspension of most flights to and from Aden International Airport.

The resumption of operations is expected to provide critical relief to thousands of Yemeni travelers daily. Aden International Airport currently serves as the country’s primary air gateway for both the northern and southern governorates, amid the continued closure of Sana’a International Airport and other airports.