Sanaa Airport
Lasting Impressions....
Memorable comments left by travellers:
"only two toilets, both of which were blocked with diarrhea." (Irish Neil)
"the floor is not recommended unless you want to risk contacting something new to medical science." (TH)
"Toilets, it is useful if you can hold your nose and squat over the hole in the ground at the same time" (TH)
"Good God! This is by far the worst Airport in Asia, I cannot think of a worse experience ever." (Dianne)
"two words sum it up....mass confusion." (?)
"By far it has the slowest passport control anywhere on earth and it took me 1 hour to get my passport stamped." (Simon)
"The bathrooms are the most disgraceful refugee camp style latrines I have ever seen" (Simon)
"Stray rabid dogs roam freely around the runway and apron, oblivious to the AK toting security guards who could possibly put the poor animals out of their misery" (Simon)
"It is exactly like stable which people use in the villages for keeping domestic animals." (?)
"The country is the Islamic kidnapping capital of the world! Don't leave the airport without a known reliable contact - a worse fate lies outside!" (?)
FEATURED REVIEWS
by YemenYahoo
"Don't believe the crazy stories you hear about Sanaa Airport. I didn't sleep there, so I can't comment on sleeping comfort, but the airport is clean and very convenient due to its small size. And the staff at the airport are absolutely great. The friendliest people you can find in ANY airport in the world.
Yes, some staff are in military type uniforms. Is it scary though? Not AT ALL. They are so nice, as helpful as they can be, and you will never feel THREATENED by them.
I didn't use the bathrooms so I don't know if they're clean or not, but the overall airport appears extremely clean. It's not the most high-tech appearing airport, but believe me, you won't find a more convenient airport anywhere. I didn't feel like I had to run 5 miles to catch my flight. Everything is so accessible.
The security guards are super nice.
Don't worry about missing your flight at this airport. They will hold the flight for you. Where else will they do this nowadays?!
Also, I don't think there are screens displaying flight times/departures, etc., but ask any one of the staff, and you'll be in the know.
Someone is always there to help you.
Yes, the counter airlines staff speak English. Others might not. But then again, how many staff members at LaGuardia know Arabic?!
Also, they want tips to help you with your luggage, but don't worry about them stealing your stuff. This is unheard of in Yemen.
Overall, the safest country, the nicest people..and the same can be said about the airport."
by Simon
"Good God! This is by far the worst Airport in Asia, I cannot think of a worse experience ever. Firstly the check in was absolute chaos with a total of 5 counters manned for 5 departing flights, it took 2 hours to check in once we made it through the security check. Getting through the security check to enter the check in area is chaos and it is hard to keep track of your baggage. It is not possible to do without bribing the baggage handlers who will not load you bags on the Xray machine unless you have about 1-2 in local currency, so make sure you have some local currency handy or say good bye to your belongings.The building is a hopeless 70's era structure, which has been poorly maintained and is not capable of handling current traffic. By far it has the slowest passport control anywhere on earth and it took me 1 hour to get my passport stamped.The bathrooms are the most disgraceful refugee camp style latrines I have ever seen, complete with overflowing excrement, stench, malaria bearing mosquitoes, toilet paper non-existent, no soap.The seats are awful and packed so close together you couldn't even squeeze in if you were more than 5 foot tall, which appears to be the average height in the country. Place seems like it is running on the basis of organized chaos. Sleeping would be a grave mistake as there are no announcements and you couldn't fight away the insects. Stray rabid dogs roam freely around the runway and apron, oblivious to the AK toting security guards who could possibly put the poor animals out of their misery. So is Malaria, Rift Valley Fever and Yellow Fever, are not enough to worry you. This is by far the airport where you have the highest chance of catching rabies. Advice, unless your job or life depends on it, stay away, never, fly through there.PS. The hotels were great, particularly the 5 star category and very affordable. Stay there and minimize your time at the airport if you really have to go. "
Airport Guide
Here is some information that we've picked out of from your reviews. Be sure to read the review pages for the most up-to-date experiences:
- quite a few fave reviews in this section that you will want to check out
- hold on to your bags at all times
- crowded
- courteous and friendly staff
- overpriced coffee
- disgraceful washrooms
- noisy
- smoking is permitted
- bucket seats
- you may need to bribe baggage handlers
- Bring your own toilet paper
- insects
- they may hold your passport without reason
Discount Travel Links
- Hostels and Budget Accommodation - I've booked my own accommodation on this site. If you are too old for hostels and too cheap for hotels, like me, you'll find some good properties. They offer dorms, private rooms, B&Bs, Apartments.
