The Iyal were a warp-capable species that originated somewhere in the Milky Way Galaxy.
History[]
In 2376, a Iyal vessel was caught in an Iconian gateway and became stranded with several other vessels in the Delta Quadrant. Lost and bereft of any way to return home, they accepted Captain Kathryn Janeway's offer of Voyager's protection and guidance, joining the multi-species caravan fleet.
On the journey the Iyal got into a violent argument with the Tllihuh due to food shortages. The Iyal were reluctant to provide aid due to facing a similar hardship.
During the journey through a Mutara class nebula, the Iyal were willing to cross through so long as they could lead. The Iyal were the third ship to pass through after the Nenlar ship. (VOY - Gateways novel: No Man's Land)
Culture[]
It seems that the Iyal and the Tllihuh had a thriving planetary trade agreement. The Iyal ship was said to be comparable to an Intrepid-class starship. (VOY - Gateways novel: No Man's Land)