Yemen’s Houthi group announced the resumption of flights between Sanaa and both Egypt and India on Sunday. This development marks the first direct flights from Sanaa to Cairo and Mumbai since the conflict in Yemen began nearly ten years ago, providing a significant milestone in the country’s ongoing efforts to return to normalcy.
The new flight schedule includes a daily flight between Sanaa and Cairo and two weekly flights between Sanaa and Mumbai, according to a statement by Yemen’s national airline, Yemenia Airways. These flights are part of a UN-brokered agreement between the Yemeni government and the Houthi group aimed at de-escalating their economic conflict.
UN envoy Hans Grundberg announced the agreement, which also includes the resumption of Yemenia Airways’ flights between Sanaa and Jordan, and the operation of new routes to Cairo and Mumbai. The agreement stipulates canceling all recent decisions and procedures against banks by both sides, aiming to stabilize the economic situation in Yemen.
For over two years, Yemen has seen a de-escalation from the conflict that started in March 2015. The war has involved the internationally recognized Yemeni government, backed by a Saudi-led coalition, against the Houthi group, which controls key provinces and cities, including the capital Sanaa, and receives support from Iran.
The resumption of direct flights is seen as a positive step towards rebuilding Yemen’s connectivity and supporting the ongoing peace efforts.
Source: Anadolu Ajansı
