STORY: Yemenia Airways restarts direct flights from Sanaa to Saudi Arabia
DATELINE: June 18, 2023
LENGTH: 00:01:10
LOCATION: Sanaa
CATEGORY: SOCIETY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of Yemeni pilgrims arriving at Sanaa airport
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): FADAL YAHYA, Yemeni pilgrim
3. various of Yemeni pilgrims arriving at Sanaa airport
4. SOUNDBITE 2 (Arabic): AHMED AL-MAHTANI

STORYLINE:

Yemen's national airline Yemenia Airways restarted on Saturday direct flights from Houthi-held Sanaa to Saudi Arabia after a suspension that lasted for almost 8 years.

The flights connect the Yemeni capital of Sanaa with the Saudi cities of Jeddah and Madinah and are intended to help Yemeni pilgrims travel to the kingdom, marking another breakthrough amid ongoing international efforts to pave the way for peace in Yemen.

SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): FADAL YAHYA, Yemeni pilgrim
"Traveling from Sanaa Airport becomes a convenient and time-saving option, significantly shortening the once arduous journey that would typically take approximately 24 hours round trip. I had initially planned to embark on this journey on Thursday, but fortunately, I received a call from the Hajj and Umrah agency, informing me that all pilgrims would be departing from Sanaa International Airport. I am grateful for this positive change, allowing for a smoother and more efficient travel experience."

Commercial flights from Sanaa International Airport have been suspended since it came under the control of Houthi rebels in 2014.

In May 2022, Yemenia was able to intermittently operate flights between Sanaa and Amman, the capital of Jordan, after mediation by the United Nations. These flights facilitated passenger transportation and assisted Yemenis in seeking medical treatment abroad.

SOUNDBITE 2 (Arabic): AHMED AL-MAHTANI, Yemeni pilgrim
"I had originally planned to travel from Aden airport, but when I heard the wonderful news that traveling abroad from Sanaa airport was now possible, it filled me with great happiness. I pray to God that all factions in Yemen can agree to open all airports, ports, and borders for pilgrims, patients, and all travelers. It would be a tremendous relief and help for everyone."

Yemen has been locked in a military conflict since the Houthi militia took control of several northern cities and ousted the Yemeni government from Sanaa in 2014.

The ongoing conflict has resulted in a staggering number of casualties and plunged the Arab world's poorest country into humanitarian crises, including widespread famine.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Sanaa.
(XHTV)