Aden-Dubai flights resume after nine-year hiatus

Today, Yemenia Airways resumed direct flights between the capital, Aden, and the Emirati city of Dubai, after a nine-year hiatus caused by the ongoing war in Yemen.

An official source at Yemenia Airways told South24 Center that two weekly flights will operate between Aden and Dubai. The routes include a direct Aden-Dubai line and an Aden-Al-Rayyan (Mukalla)-Dubai line.

The source added that the Ministry of Transport in the recognized government is preparing to launch flights to Doha, Qatar soon, and plans to open new routes across Africa.

Since 2015, most Yemeni air transport routes have been halted due to the conflict, and multiple civilian airports have been shut down.

Aden Airport serves as the primary gateway for Yemenis traveling abroad for treatment, study, and other purposes.

On June 15, Yemenia Airways launched the first direct flight between Aden and Kuwait after a nine-year hiatus.

Recently, the Houthis' hijacking of four Yemenia Airways planes caused a crisis for Yemeni pilgrims returning from Saudi Arabia.

The Houthis illegally detained the planes for extended periods before releasing them as part of recently established agreements, which are believed to include the freezing of a decision by the Yemeni government to stop the transfer of Yemenia Airways funds in Sanaa to Aden or accounts abroad.

Yemenia Airways alleges that the Houthis control approximately $80 million of its frozen funds in Sanaa.