YemeniaIY

Yemenia (Yemen Airways) is the national flag carrier of Yemen, headquartered in Sana'a. Established in 1961, the airline has operated for over six decades, though its operations have been severely impacted by the ongoing civil conflict that began in 2015.

Due to the conflict, Yemenia relocated its operational hub from Sana'a International Airport to Aden International Airport, though limited services continue from Sana'a when conditions permit. The airline maintains a reduced international network connecting Yemen primarily with Egypt, Jordan, India, and select Gulf states.

Yemenia is government-owned and operates under challenging conditions including airspace restrictions, maintenance difficulties, and limited access to international aviation systems. The airline has faced EU and US air bans due to safety concerns, restricting its ability to serve Western destinations directly.

Carry-On Allowance

Cabin Bag (all passengers):

• Dimensions: 22" x 16" x 9" (55 x 40 x 23 cm)
• Weight: 7 kg (15 lbs) maximum
• One bag per passenger

Checked Baggage

Economy Class:

Bags Included	Weight per Bag
1 bag	23 kg (50 lbs)

Business Class:

Bags Included	Weight per Bag
2 bags	32 kg (70 lbs) each

Size Limit: 62 linear inches / 158 cm (length + width + height) per bag

Excess Baggage Fees

Additional baggage fees apply for bags beyond the included allowance. Fees are typically charged in USD due to Yemeni Rial instability.

Fee Type	Price
Additional bag	~$50 USD
Overweight (per kg)	~$50 USD

Note: Fees may vary by route and are subject to change. Confirm current rates when booking.

Special Items

Item	Fee	Notes
Wheelchair / mobility aids	Free	Advance notice recommended

Verify current baggage policies at yemenia.com before traveling.

Business Class

• Priority boarding
• Enhanced meal service
• Increased baggage allowance
• Seat selection priority

Economy Class

Yemenia operates a standard economy cabin on its Airbus A320 family aircraft.

• Standard 3-3 configuration on A320
• Seat pitch: Approximately 30-32 inches
• Complimentary meals on international flights
• Limited in-flight entertainment

Dining

Complimentary meals and beverages are provided on international flights. Meal service includes options reflecting Yemeni and Middle Eastern cuisine.

Note: Service standards may vary depending on route and operational conditions.

Before Booking:

• Verify current route availability; network changes frequently
• Book through established travel agents familiar with Yemen travel
• Confirm visa requirements for both destination and transit countries
• Comprehensive travel insurance is essential
• Check current travel advisories for Yemen

Payment:

• USD widely accepted; Yemeni Rial highly unstable
• Credit card acceptance may be limited; confirm payment options
• International booking channels may offer more payment flexibility

At the Airport:

• Arrive well ahead of departure time
• Confirm flight status on day of travel
• Carry printed copies of all travel documents
• Be prepared for potential security screenings and delays

Connections:

• Allow generous connection times when transiting
• Cairo (CAI) and Amman (AMM) offer best onward connections
• Consider overnight stays for tight international connections

Fleet Considerations:

• Aging Airbus A320 family aircraft
• Maintenance standards have faced scrutiny; check current EU/US air ban status
• In-flight amenities may be limited compared to regional competitors

What to Expect:

• Service reflects operational constraints
• Staff generally helpful despite challenging circumstances
• Schedules subject to change with limited notice
• Communication may be inconsistent

Safety Advisory:

• Yemenia has been subject to EU and US air bans due to safety concerns
• Not permitted to operate to EU or US destinations
• Travelers should assess risk tolerance and consult travel advisories
• The airline operates in one of the world's most challenging aviation environments

Last verified: January 2025