Yemenia Airways has resumed commercial passenger flights from Aden International Airport after a three-day suspension. Yemen’s national carrier restarted operations on Sunday, December 4 after consultations between their transport ministry and Saudi authorities. Initial flights will operate exclusively from Aden, currently serving four regional destinations: Amman (Jordan), Cairo (Egypt), Jeddah (Saudi Arabia), and Riyadh (Saudi Arabia).
Yemenia Resumes Select Regional Routes
The suspension shows growing tensions over aviation restrictions and security requirements imposed on Yemeni air traffic. This tension has been recently heightened by broader political and military developments within Yemen’s fractured anti-Houthi alliance. Nevertheless, officials described the resumption as a temporary stabilization amid ongoing uncertainty over flight operations.
Yemen’s transport ministry stated the services will initially be limited to daily operations from Aden, connecting the southern port city with Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Egypt. The flights resumed under directives from Transport Minister Abdul Humaid and Yemenia’s board, after discussions with Saudi authorities led to approval.
The resumption comes after the Southern Transitional Council (STC) announced a halt to airport operations last week, citing alleged Saudi-imposed restrictions. However, Yemen’s government denied claims that the airport was closed, instead maintaining that air traffic had not been formally suspended.
Aden International Airport remains the primary gateway for government-held areas of Yemen, serving passengers traveling for business and commercial use.
Aviation Restrictions Reflect Political Conflict
Saudi Arabia recently ordered international flights to and from Yemen to undergo security screening in Jeddah before continuing to final destinations. This move was described by Yemen’s transport ministry as an “air blockade” undermining national sovereignty.
Restrictions reportedly remain in place for flights involving the United Arab Emirates, which Yemeni authorities have recently accused of backing the STC. Tensions have escalated since December, after STC forces seized control of Hadhramaut and Al-Mahra governorates (land that accounts for nearly half of Yemen’s territory).
Overall, the conflict, which dates back to 2014, continues to shape Yemen’s political landscape. Moreover, the STC’s push for southern independence adds uncertainty, complicating governance and the operation of critical services like aviation.
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