More than 400 foreign tourists stranded on Yemen’s Socotra after flights suspended

More than 400 foreign tourists are stranded on the Yemeni island of Socotra after flights were suspended amid escalating political and military tensions, local officials said on Monday.

Yahya bin Afrar, deputy governor of Socotra for culture and tourism, said flights to and from the island have been halted in recent days, leaving hundreds of visitors unable to depart. “We have more than 400 foreign tourists,” he said, calling for the urgent rescheduling of domestic and international flights.

Another local government official said 416 foreign nationals of various nationalities are currently stranded, including more than 60 Russian citizens. The official said all international and domestic flights were suspended following the declaration of a state of emergency on 30 December, and spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the situation.

The official added that Socotra Airport had previously received three international flights a week from Abu Dhabi, carrying foreign tourists, and urged that the airport be kept out of Yemen’s political conflict.

READ: Egypt’s president meets Saudi foreign minister amid Yemen escalation

A worker at a local travel agency confirmed similar figures, noting that most of the stranded tourists are Russian. A Western diplomat said British, French and American citizens are also among those affected.

Flight disruptions come amid intensified clashes between the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council and the internationally recognised Yemeni government, which is supported by the Saudi-led coalition. These tensions have led to broader restrictions on air travel to and from Yemen.

Despite Yemen’s prolonged conflict, Socotra has remained relatively insulated from fighting and has become a popular destination for adventurers and social media influencers, known for its lush landscapes, unique wildlife and turquoise waters.

Located about 350 kilometres off Yemen’s mainland in the Indian Ocean, Socotra is the largest island in an archipelago of four main islands and two smaller rocky islets. It is home to around 50,000 people and has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008, recognised for its exceptional biodiversity and high number of endemic plant and animal species.

In recent years, promotional tourism campaigns and regular flights to Socotra have been launched, particularly from the United Arab Emirates, which backs the Southern Transitional Council, the de facto authority on the island.

READ: Yemenia Airways resumes flights from Aden airport after 3-day suspension