Yemen Monitor / Newsroom:
Yemenia Airways clarified that the decision to reduce baggage allowances on its flights is a temporary measure beyond its control, necessitated by current operational conditions.
Hatem al-Shaabi, the official spokesperson for the company, stated that the Yemen Petroleum Company’s announcement regarding a fuel shortage prompted the airline to reduce aircraft weight. This allows planes to carry enough fuel for both outbound and return trips while maintaining a safety margin—a departure from previous procedures.
He noted that this measure directly impacted the baggage weight permitted for passengers, requiring a temporary reduction. He pointed out that the company is working to address the issue by operating special flights dedicated to transporting luggage, as was done previously for flights to Cairo and Addis Ababa.
Al-Shaabi also highlighted the significant global rise in aviation operating costs, from ground handling and service fees to fuel prices. He emphasized that despite these challenges, the company has maintained its ticket prices and continued its flights to various destinations, except for those suspended due to airport closures resulting from regional conditions.
He called on passengers to understand these exceptional circumstances and to adhere to the weights specified on their tickets and the permitted baggage sizes, stressing that the company is making continuous efforts to overcome these challenges as soon as possible.
