Overview
- Local officials reported more than 400 foreign visitors stranded, with one count listing 416 people including over 60 Russians after services were suspended.
- Authorities said all flights have been grounded since late December, and local leaders have appealed for operations to resume with the airport kept out of political conflict.
- An eyewitness described Southern Transitional Council soldiers guarding Socotra International Airport and turning travelers away from the premises.
- Tour groups arranged a campsite near Qalansiyah with tents and food, and some tourists moved to hotels nearer the airport while waiting for flights to restart.
- Diplomats and tour operators cited a mix of nationalities seeking assistance as regular Abu Dhabi connections—typically three weekly—remain disrupted, with one traveler estimating a higher total stranded.