About 400 foreign tourists are stranded on Socotra after flights were suspended amid renewed fighting on Yemen’s mainland. Local officials say 416 people of various nationalities — including more than 60 Russians and visitors from Britain, France, the US, Poland and China — are affected. Saudi-backed forces have retaken Hadramout and al-Mahra from UAE-backed STC fighters, and authorities say airports and ports will be reopened as security and basic services are restored.
Around 400 Tourists Stranded On Socotra As Mainland Clashes Ground Flights
The city of Hadibu on Socotra, the largest island in the Socotra archipelago in the Arabian Sea, 380km south of mainland Yemen and 80km west of the Horn of Africa [File: Mohamed al-Sayaghi/Reuters]
About 400 foreign tourists are stranded on the Yemeni island of Socotra after flights were suspended amid renewed fighting on Yemen’s mainland between Saudi-backed government forces and secessionist factions linked to the United Arab Emirates.
Stranded Visitors And Nationalities
Yahya bin Afrar, Socotra’s deputy governor for culture and tourism, said "more than 400 foreign tourists" were unable to leave after flights were suspended. A local official speaking to AFP on condition of anonymity put the number at 416 and said the group included "more than 60 Russians." An unnamed Western diplomat said British, French and American nationals were among those affected, and Poland's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed Polish tourists were also stranded. A local travel agent reported at least two Chinese visitors were present.
"Socotra is located in a highly unstable region, where an armed conflict has been ongoing for years... Due to the intensification of military operations, airspace has been closed," Poland's MFA wrote on X.
Why Flights Stopped
Flights to and from Yemen have been largely curtailed in recent days as intense fighting erupted between rival armed groups that nominally fall under Yemen’s fractured government, based in Aden. The Socotra archipelago sits some 380 km (236 miles) south of the mainland and is controlled by the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC).
On The Mainland
This week Saudi-backed "Homeland Shield" forces recaptured the oil-rich southern governorates of Hadramout and al-Mahra from STC fighters — territory that together accounts for a large portion of Yemen’s landmass. Previously, those factions had been allied within the Aden-based Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) against the Houthi movement, which controls much of northwestern Yemen, including Sanaa.
Official Response And Evacuations
Many tourists visiting Socotra for New Year’s celebrations have contacted their embassies seeking evacuation assistance. According to a Western diplomat, "their relevant embassies have reached out to the Saudi and Yemeni governments to seek their evacuation." The airport in Aden resumed operations on Sunday after several days of disruption, but airspace and services remain subject to security developments.
Local Government Plans
On Friday, the government appointed Salem al-Khanbashi, governor of Hadramout, to command the Saudi-led forces in the governorate. In an interview with Al Jazeera Arabic he said ports and airports in Hadramout would be brought back into service, highlighted the need to reopen Seiyun airport, and pledged to restore security and basic services. He also said authorities plan to hold talks with political and tribal leaders, and provide compensation for public and private property damaged during the STC advance.
Outlook: The situation remains fluid. Evacuation plans depend on fast-changing security conditions and coordination between foreign embassies, Yemeni authorities and regional partners. Tourists and relatives are advised to monitor official travel advisories and embassy updates for confirmed evacuation arrangements.
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