Hundreds of international tourists have found themselves trapped on the idyllic Yemeni island of Socotra after a sudden outbreak of violence between rival armed factions led to the suspension of all flights.
Flights Grounded as Violence Flares
More than 400 visitors from various nations are currently stuck on the remote island, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its unique biodiversity. The crisis unfolded after a state of emergency was declared last month, prompting the grounding of flights. A local official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that all foreign and domestic air travel had been suspended, leaving tourists with no way out.
Yahya bin Afrar, Socotra's deputy governor for culture and tourism, stated that over 400 tourists were stranded as 'their flights have been suspended'. This figure was corroborated by a local travel agent. The island, which typically relies on three weekly flights from Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, has seen its vital air link severed.
A Diverse Group Awaiting Evacuation
The stranded travellers represent a wide array of nationalities. The anonymous local source indicated the group includes more than 60 Russian nationals. Western diplomatic sources have confirmed the presence of British, French, and American citizens, while the travel agent noted at least two Chinese nationals are also among those affected.
In a post on social media platform X, Polish foreign ministry spokesman Maciej Wewior confirmed Polish tourists were also caught up in the disruption. He noted that flights operated by an Emirati airline had been suspended until at least Tuesday, blaming the closure of airspace due to a 'deteriorated' security situation and intensified military operations.
'People are stuck on the island and reaching out to their embassies now for help to be evacuated,' one Western diplomat said. 'Their relevant embassies have reached out to the Saudi and Yemeni governments to seek their evacuation.'
Geopolitical Tensions Behind the Crisis
The violence stems from clashes between factions loosely affiliated with Yemen's internationally recognised government but backed by rival regional powers: Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC), which controls Socotra, recently launched an offensive to capture provinces on the mainland, angering Riyadh.
In response, Saudi forces have conducted air strikes, targeting STC positions and allegedly an Emirati weapons shipment, reversing the group's earlier gains. The local official in Socotra made a plea for the airport to be 'kept away from political conflict', emphasising the urgent need to resume flights.
Meanwhile, the airport in Aden on the Yemeni mainland has reportedly been functional again since Sunday after several days of disruptions.
The Socotra archipelago, lying some 350 kilometres off the Yemeni coast, is home to around 50,000 people and has been largely insulated from the devastating war on the mainland. It remains a magnet for travellers drawn to its otherworldly 'dragon blood' trees, unique wildlife, and pristine waters. Many of the currently stranded tourists had travelled from the UAE to celebrate the New Year on the island.
