SANA'A - Yemen's national airline operated on Monday its first commercial flight from the capital Sana'a since 2016, raising hopes a UN-brokered truce could be a stepping stone towards a lasting peace that could improve the lives of desperate Yemenis.
Dozens of Yemenis, including patients who waited years for medical treatment, went through security checks in the airport's terminal which has been deserted since 2015, excited and relieved at the prospect of being able to travel.
"We have waited for this trip for three years. Because of my father's health condition, we couldn't take him by land to Aden. Praise be God, the relief has come," said Ismail al-Wazan before boarding a flight to Amman with his father in a wheelchair.
As the first Yemenia flight landed empty in Sana'a from Aden, where the carrier has been operating relatively normally, water cannon sprayed the runway to celebrate the milestone. The flight then carried on to the Jordanian capital with the passengers.
The United Nations and United States welcomed the reopening of Sana'a airport.
"Yemen today is witnessing its calmest period since the war began, and these flights are an important step in further improving the lives and opportunities for the Yemeni people," Adrienne Watson, spokesperson of the White House National Security Council, said.
The Norwegian Refugee Council, which has been active in humanitarian operations in Yemen, said the first commercial flight from Sanaa was "a stepping stone" towards a lasting peace for Yemen.
The next flight from Sana'a is due next Wednesday.