Superdeals: 40–80% off flights from North America to Yemen

Direct flight routes to Yemen

Currently there are no direct flights between North America and Yemen. All routes require at least one connection.

Layover/stopover options

Dubai (DXB) – Emirates hub offering frequent connections to Aden and Sana’a. Average connection time is 4-6 hours. Modern terminal facilities with extensive duty-free shopping and rest areas.

Cairo (CAI) – EgyptAir’s main hub connecting to Yemen. Typical layover time 5-8 hours. Less modern than Gulf airports but offers affordable airport hotels for longer layovers.

Doha (DOH) – Qatar Airways hub with good Yemen connections. Connection times average 3-5 hours. Features the innovative Oryx Airport Hotel for transit passengers.

Jeddah (JED) – Saudia’s base with regular flights to Yemen. Connection times typically 4-7 hours. Offers dedicated Hajj terminal and efficient transit procedures.

Time vs money

Multi-stop routes through Gulf hubs typically offer better pricing than routes via European airports. Longer layovers generally result in lower fares, with the sweet spot being 6-12 hour connections.

Tips and recommendations

• Book separate tickets with Gulf carriers from their US/Canadian gateways for better rates


• Consider Turkish Airlines through Istanbul for competitive fares and good connection quality


• Morning arrivals in Yemen are preferred due to better ground transportation availability


• Plan longer layovers in Dubai or Doha to break up the journey and explore these cities


• Book flights arriving in Aden rather than Sana’a when possible for more reliable schedules

• Turkish Airlines offers the most extensive network to Yemen through Istanbul, with competitive fares from major US hubs averaging $1,100-1,300 roundtrip. Their modern A330/B787 fleet features comfortable 32-inch pitch in economy, and layovers in Istanbul can be extended into free stopovers with hotel accommodation.
• Qatar Airways provides reliable connections to Aden through Doha, typically operating their A350s with superior cabin comfort on US routes. Prices from Chicago and Dallas tend to be 15-20% lower than from coastal gateways, especially for advance bookings.
• Emirates’ routes via Dubai offer excellent value when booked 6+ months ahead, with economy fares from Toronto starting around $1,200. Their fifth-freedom routes from Athens and Milan to North America can yield significant savings, though they require longer travel times.
• Etihad Airways serves Sana’a with convenient connections through Abu Dhabi from Chicago, New York, and Washington DC. Their “Choose Well” fare structure allows passengers to customize their experience with add-ons like extra legroom or lounge access at reasonable prices.
• Royal Jordanian’s services via Amman offer the quickest total journey times from East Coast cities, though availability is limited. Their partnership with American Airlines enables competitive codeshare rates from secondary US cities, with Chicago and Detroit often showing the best prices.

1. Booking direct flight searches only Most travelers don’t realize there are no direct flights to Yemen from North America, and the best routes typically involve connections through major Middle Eastern hubs like Dubai, Doha, or Istanbul.
2. Ignoring visa transit requirements Many passengers fail to secure necessary transit visas for their layover countries, particularly when connecting through Saudi Arabia or other Gulf states.
3. Flying into Sana’a International Airport Due to ongoing conflicts, most commercial flights to Yemen now operate through Aden International Airport (ADE), making Sana’a bookings potentially problematic or impossible.
4. Last-minute booking attempts Given the limited flight options and complex security clearances required for Yemen travel, attempting to book less than three months in advance often results in extremely high fares or unavailable flights.
5. Overlooking seasonal weather patterns Booking flights during Yemen’s monsoon season (July-August) can lead to frequent delays and cancellations, especially at coastal airports like Aden.

Turkish Airlines

Best for: Most extensive network of North American departure cities to Yemen with excellent service quality.

Serves 12 US/Canadian cities to Yemen (mainly through Istanbul), with largest volumes from New York (JFK), Chicago (ORD), and Toronto (YYZ). Features comfortable Economy seats with 32-inch pitch and high-quality Mediterranean-inspired meals. Consistently rated 4 out of 5 stars by passengers for Yemen routes. Typical layover in Istanbul ranges 3-5 hours with good connection facilities.

Qatar Airways

Best for: Superior comfort and service quality on long-haul flights to Yemen.

Operates from 9 North American cities, primarily New York (JFK), Montreal (YUL), and Los Angeles (LAX). Offers arguably the best Economy Class experience with 33-inch seat pitch, acclaimed dining options, and responsive cabin service. Doha layover averages 4 hours with access to excellent airport amenities. Passengers consistently rate Yemen routes 4.5 out of 5.

Emirates

Best for: Most reliable connections and best entertainment options on Yemen routes.

Serves 8 North American destinations, mainly from New York (JFK), Toronto (YYZ), and Boston (BOS). Features comfortable Economy seats with extensive entertainment options and quality halal meal service. Dubai stopover typically 3-6 hours with comprehensive transit facilities. Maintains 4.2 out of 5 rating from passengers traveling to Yemen.

Etihad Airways

Best for: Most economical premium service options to Yemen with shorter overall journey times.

Operates from 6 North American cities, primarily New York (JFK), Chicago (ORD), and Washington (IAD). Offers competitive Economy fares with 31.5-inch seat pitch and good meal options. Abu Dhabi connections average 3 hours, shorter than competitors. Maintains steady 4 out of 5 passenger rating for Yemen routes.

Save money on Yemen flights with APAC carriers

Flying from North America to Yemen can be expensive, but using regional Asian carriers strategically can reduce costs significantly. The key is breaking up the journey into segments rather than booking direct routes through major airlines.

1. Book separate tickets – First leg to major Asian hubs like Bangkok, Singapore, or Kuala Lumpur using mainstream carriers, then connect using budget airlines
2. Target budget-friendly hubs – Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur typically offer the cheapest connections to Middle Eastern destinations
3. Consider these carriers – Air Arabia, FlyDubai, and Air Asia offer competitive rates to Yemen from Southeast Asian hubs
4. Allow buffer time – Schedule at least 4 hours between flights when self-connecting to account for delays and terminal transfers

The most cost-effective route often involves flying to Bangkok via Korean Air or EVA Air, then connecting to Yemen through Dubai or Sharjah using Air Arabia. While this strategy requires more planning and longer travel times, savings can exceed 40% compared to traditional routing through major carriers.

Remember to factor in baggage fees and transfer costs when calculating total savings, as regional carriers often have stricter luggage policies.