180 Tourists Evacuated From Yemen's Socotra To Jeddah As Others Await Rescue

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times)

Yemen Airways has begun evacuating foreign tourists stranded on Socotra Island, operating its first flight on Wednesday to transport them to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, amid ongoing travel disruptions due to the escalating regional conflict.

Yemen's national carrier evacuated 180 stranded tourists from Socotra to Jeddah, according to Moammar Al Eyrani, Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism. Authorities said efforts are ongoing to safely evacuate the remaining tourists and facilitate their onward return to their home countries.

Recommended For You UAE weather: Light rains expected; low of 16oC in Dubai Saudi Arabia sentences 3 to death for joining terrorist group, making explosives

The Minister described the flight as a significant step in restoring international air connectivity to the Socotra Archipelago. In a statement on X, he praised Yemenia Airways for operating the evacuation flight, calling it the start of what authorities hope will become regular direct services between Socotra and Jeddah.

Al Eyrani also stated that any expansion of tourism to the Island would be carried out in a“studied and sustainable manner,” with an emphasis on protecting Socotra's unique environment while developing local infrastructure and economic opportunities.

The evacuation follows days of uncertainty for visitors who had travelled to the remote Yemeni island for its pristine beaches and off-the-beaten-track appeal. Escalating conflict on Yemen's mainland led authorities suspend flights and close all ports of exit from the country, leaving hundreds of tourists unable to leave the island.

The exact number of those stranded remains unclear, with Reuters citing around 600 travellers, while officials speaking to AFP put the figure at 416 people of various nationalities, including Russian, French, American and British citizens.

Located more than 300 kilometres (186 miles) south of Yemen's coast, Socotra has long been regarded as a haven of tranquillity amid Yemen's decade-long conflict.

Until recently, Socotra was primarily accessible by air via the UAE. The island has also stationed Emirati troops since 2018. In December 2025, however, the UAE announced the withdrawal of its forces and the conclusion of all remaining counter-terrorism operations in Yemen.

MENAFN07012026000049011007ID1110569253