Why Are Hundreds of Tourists Stranded on Yemeni Island Socotra?

January 5, 2026 at 11:58 PM•2 min read

Emirati airline charter flights to Yemeni island Socotra are suspended, leaving 416 foreign tourists stranded due to intensified mainland clashes and new international flight restrictions.

Key Points

1416 foreign tourists are stranded on Yemeni island Socotra after charter flights from the UAE were suspended.
2The flight grounding resulted from a Saudi-Yemeni government prohibition on direct UAE flights due to intensified clashes between rival factions on the mainland.
3Evacuation flights via Yemenia Airways from Socotra to Aden and Jeddah are expected to begin on Wednesday, January 7.
4The incident underscores the high operational risk for commercial aviation in the unstable Middle East airspace.

Over 400 foreign tourists are stranded on the Yemeni island Socotra. Flights were grounded due to heavy fighting on the mainland. The conflict involves government troops backed by Saudi Arabia and secessionists linked to the United Arab Emirates. This geopolitical friction directly impacts commercial aviation news and travel to the region.

Flight Suspensions and Stranded Passengers

Flights to the island were suspended following an intensification of military operations. This action led to the closure of airspace in the unstable region.

Socotra's deputy governor for culture and tourism confirmed the issue. He stated that "more than 400 foreign tourists" were stranded after their flights were suspended.

Local officials specified that 416 foreigners of various nationalities were affected. This group includes over 60 Russian nationals.

Western diplomats also noted British, French, and American citizens were among those stuck. Polish and Chinese nationals were also reported to be on the island.

The stranded tourists had traveled to the island for New Year's celebrations.

The Affected Airline Route

The suspended service was a humanitarian charter flight. It typically operates once weekly from Abu Dhabi, UAE. The service is run by Emirates Aviation Services, sometimes utilizing an Air Arabia aircraft.

An official at the Socotra airport confirmed the grounding. The Yemeni and Saudi governments prohibited direct flights from the UAE to Yemen. This prohibition includes flights bound for Socotra.

Airspace and Evacuation Efforts

Yemeni airspace remains an active conflict zone. Many international bodies advise against overflying the land portion of the Sanaa Flight Information Region (FIR).

The Southern Transitional Council (STC) controls the Socotra islands. This UAE-backed group has clashed with the Saudi-backed government forces on the mainland.

Embassies for the stranded tourists reached out for help. They contacted the Saudi and Yemeni governments seeking evacuation.

Restoration of Service

Aden International Airport on the mainland resumed operations. This happened on Sunday after several days of disruption.

Evacuation flights are now scheduled to begin. An airport official reported that tourists would fly out starting Wednesday, January 7. These flights will be operated by Yemenia Airways. The route planned is from Socotra to Aden, then onward to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

This incident highlights the operational risks for airlines. It shows the challenges of commercial aviation in politically unstable areas. Industry stakeholders must closely monitor such geopolitical developments. For more information on global air travel disruptions, visit https://flying.flights.