Hundreds of Tourists on Yemeni Island Caught Up in Saudi-U.A.E. Rift

Approximately 600 tourists, primarily from Russia and Poland, are stranded on the Yemeni island of Socotra after flights were suspended due to escalating conflict on the mainland. The flight cancellations stemmed from tensions between the Yemeni government, backed by Saudi Arabia, and a separatist faction supported by the United Arab Emirates. A 72-hour air, sea, and land embargo imposed by the Yemeni government on December 30th halted flights to and from Socotra, a UNESCO World Heritage site popular for its unique biodiversity. The tourists had originally arrived via Emirati-owned Air Arabia from Abu Dhabi. A new flight route operated by Yemenia Airways to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, is expected to begin regular service to alleviate the situation. The incident highlights the growing rift between Saudi Arabia and the U.A.E. as they pursue conflicting interests in Yemen.

Approximately 400 tourists are stranded on the Yemeni island of Socotra as of January 5, 2026, due to grounded flights. Fighting between Saudi-backed government forces and UAE-linked secessionists on the Yemeni mainland has led to airspace closures and restricted flights. The Socotra islands, controlled by the Southern Transitional Council, are located 380km south of the mainland. The stranded tourists are of various nationalities, including Russian, British, French, American, and Polish citizens. The Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Emirati airline flights to Socotra are suspended until Tuesday due to the ongoing armed conflict and deteriorating security situation in the region.

Flights from Aden International Airport in Yemen were halted on Thursday, January 2, 2026, amid rising tensions between the Southern Transitional Council (STC) separatists and the Saudi-backed Yemeni government. The STC, seeking a separate nation in southern Yemen, has expanded its military operations, escalating tensions with Saudi Arabia, who accuses the UAE of supporting the STC's expansion. The STC-aligned Transport Ministry claimed the flight stoppage resulted from Saudi Arabia requiring flights to the UAE to first land in Jeddah for inspection. A Saudi source rejected this claim. The airport closure highlights the ongoing conflict and distrust between factions within Yemen and their international backers.