About 600 Tourists Stranded on Yemen’s Socotra Island Amid UAE Troop Withdrawal
NEW YORK, N.Y. — Approximately 600 tourists remain stranded on Yemen’s Socotra Island following the recent withdrawal of United Arab Emirates (UAE) troops, which has disrupted flight operations amid growing political conflict between the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The island, renowned for its unique biodiversity and iconic dragon blood trees, has become inaccessible as control of its airport shifted during the escalating tensions.
Socotra lies about 186 miles south of Yemen’s mainland coast and has been under UAE influence since 2018, with UAE airlines facilitating most tourist arrivals. However, the withdrawal of UAE forces last week, prompted by a deadline set by Saudi Arabia, has led to a suspension of flights, leaving tourists unable to depart. Aurelija Krikstaponiene, a Lithuanian visitor who was on the island over New Year’s Eve, described the situation to Reuters, saying, “Nobody has any information, and everyone just wants to go back to their normal lives.” She was unable to return to Abu Dhabi as scheduled.
The political dispute between the UAE and Saudi Arabia has intensified, affecting the operational control of Socotra’s airport. The island’s strategic location and its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its pristine beaches and exceptional flora such as the dragon blood trees, have made it a popular destination despite the region’s instability.
Poland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Maciej Wewiór highlighted the deteriorating security situation on X (formerly Twitter), noting that increased military operations have led to the closure of airspace around Socotra. He assured that airlines would resume flights soon to enable the safe return of Polish tourists. The ongoing conflict in Yemen, which involves multiple factions including the Iran-backed Houthis and the Southern Transitional Council (STC), has complicated travel and security in the area. The STC recently claimed control over key oil regions and called for U.S. support against the Houthis.
The U.S. State Department maintains a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory for Yemen, citing risks of terrorism, civil unrest, crime, and kidnapping. The advisory, reissued on December 19, 2025, explicitly warns against travel to Socotra, noting that some companies have misrepresented the island’s safety and offered trips with unofficial or invalid visas. The State Department cautions that U.S. citizens traveling to Socotra under such conditions face significant dangers and legal jeopardy.
Given the fragile security environment, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also advises travelers to exercise extreme caution or avoid travel to Yemen altogether. The situation underscores the complexities of tourism in conflict zones, where geopolitical disputes can abruptly impact civilian movement and safety.
Efforts to evacuate the stranded tourists are underway, with international diplomatic channels working to restore flight operations. Meanwhile, visitors remain confined to the island, awaiting updates amid uncertainty. The incident highlights the broader challenges facing Yemen, a country embroiled in a multifaceted conflict that continues to affect millions and disrupt regional stability.
For travelers considering remote or politically sensitive destinations, the U.S. Department of State’s travel resources provide critical information to help assess risks and prepare accordingly.
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