Nearly 500 foreign tourists from various nationalities, including Americans, Russians, Europeans, and others, remain stranded on Yemen's remote Socotra archipelago after all flights were suspended due to escalating violence on the mainland. The crisis, reported by CNN on January 5, 2026, stems from clashes between rival factions backed by Saudi Arabia and the UAE, triggering a state of emergency and grounding air traffic since late December.
Socotra's deputy governor Yahya bin Afrar confirmed over 400 visitors many arriving via UAE flights during peak season face shortages in accommodations, rising costs, and limited services on the UNESCO-listed island famed for its unique biodiversity. A local security official noted frustration over no resumption timeline, with pressure mounting on Saudi forces and Southern Transitional Council (STC) authorities for solutions.
Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council recently canceled a UAE defense pact, ordering troop withdrawal and halting separatist support, which deepened UAE-Saudi rifts controlling Socotra post-Houthi conflicts. Tour operators, largely UAE-linked, halted services, leaving New Year visitors like Poles, Italians, Chinese, and a Singaporean among the 416 confirmed foreigners.
No official evacuation plans exist yet, though embassies are contacted and Polish officials noted UAE airline suspensions until January 6. Tourists report relative safety but logistical woes on the strategically vital Arabian Sea outpost.