AL-MUKALLA: The first Yemeni hajj flight has arrived in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia from Houthi-controlled Sanaa, Arab media reported on Sunday. It was the first commercial flight from Sana to Saudi Arabia during the last several years.
The Yemeni national airline confirmed that the first flight arrived at Jeddah airport and two more flights were scheduled for Monday and Wednesday to transport Hajj pilgrims to the Kingdom.
First Yemeni Hajj Flight Arrives in Jeddah from Sanaa
Sanaa airport has been closed to flights since the first day of the conflict in the country. However, the airport was opened for commercial flights to Jordan in May in 2022 as per the UN-brokered ceasefire, and the Houthis were asked to reciprocate.
The first commercial flights from Sanaa to Jeddah have spurred appreciation for Riyadh’s efforts to alleviate the problems of Yemenis while also laying the groundwork in order to end the conflict.
The European Union (EU) delegation to Yemen on Sunday lauded the restoration of commercial flights between Riyadh and Sanaa and appreciated KSA for “the gestures” that would lead to end war.
The United Nations (UN) envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg also asked Yemenis to take advantage of the spiritual environment during the Hajj season to reach a deal to ease restrictions on the movements of nationals and initiate a very comprehensive peace process, thanking Riyadh for its help in facilitating the departure of flights from Sanaa to Jeddah.
Washington also appreciated the KSA for facilitating Hajj flights from Houthi-controlled Sanaa, as well as other steps to enhance peace in Yemen.
“We credit Riyadh for its efforts to assist the ceasefire over recent months, including the Hajj flights today that enable Yemeni citizens to perform their religious duties,” the US National Security Council said.
Meanwhile, the Yemen government’s authorities said that 19,366 Yemeni pilgrims have landed in the Kingdom.
