Yemenia Flight 626, operating an Airbus A310-300, was scheduled to travel from Paris, France, to Moroni, the capital of the Comoros islands. On June 30, 2009, the flight encountered difficulties while approaching its destination and ultimately crashed into the Indian Ocean, resulting in a tragic loss of life. Of the 153 people on board, only 14-year-old Bahia Bakari survived, making her story of survival particularly noteworthy. She was found hours later, alone in the water, having managed to cling to a piece of wreckage.

The aircraft lost contact with air traffic control approximately 30 minutes before the crash, raising questions about the circumstances leading to the disaster. Investigators later determined that the flight was attempting to land in adverse weather conditions, which included poor visibility and turbulent winds. The absence of crucial navigational aids at the Moroni airport was highlighted as a factor that may have contributed to the incident. The subsequent investigation provided essential insights into the aviation safety measures in place, shedding light on the importance of stringent operational procedures during challenging weather.

In the wake of the crash, the aviation community was prompted to reassess protocols and regulations, especially concerning airline operations in regions with limited resources and emergency services. Bahia Bakari's survival became a symbol of hope amidst the tragedy and generated substantial media coverage, bringing attention to issues of flight safety and emergency preparedness. Her remarkable resilience in the face of catastrophe was recognized widely, as she became one of the few survivors in a significant aviation disaster.