Connecting Yemen to the World Since 1961
Founded
1961
Headquarters
Sana'a, Yemen
Yemenia, officially Yemen Airways, is the national flag carrier of Yemen, founded in 1961 and jointly owned by the Yemeni government and Saudi Arabian interests. The airline operates scheduled international services from its primary hub at Sana'a International Airport, connecting Yemen to destinations across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
The airline has faced significant operational challenges due to the ongoing Yemeni civil war that began in 2014–2015, which severely disrupted domestic and international operations. Sana'a International Airport was closed to commercial traffic for extended periods, forcing Yemenia to rely heavily on Aden and Seiyun airports as alternative gateways.
Yemenia suffered a major tragedy in 2009 when Flight IY626, an Airbus A310, crashed into the Indian Ocean near the Comoros Islands, killing 152 of the 153 people on board. Despite ongoing instability, Yemenia has continued to operate a reduced network of international routes, providing a vital link for Yemeni nationals abroad.
Hubs & network
Yemenia's primary hub is Sana'a International Airport, with Aden International Airport and Seiyun Airport serving as operational alternatives during periods of conflict.
Fleet
Yemenia operates a small fleet that has historically included Airbus A330 and Boeing 737 aircraft, though the active fleet size has varied significantly due to the civil war.
Notable facts
- ›Yemenia is jointly owned by the Yemeni government and the government of Saudi Arabia.
- ›In June 2009, Yemenia Flight 626 crashed into the Indian Ocean near Comoros, killing 152 of 153 on board.
- ›The airline's operations have been severely curtailed since the Yemeni civil war began in 2015.
- ›Yemenia was established in 1961 as the national carrier of the Yemen Arab Republic.
- ›The airline has operated international routes to destinations in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia despite ongoing conflict.
This profile is provided for general information only. Contact details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airline's official website before acting on them.
