Overview
- Socotra declared a state of emergency in late December, closing ports and grounding flights, with officials citing more than 400 stranded and some reports placing the total closer to 600.
- Air traffic stoppages followed a widening Saudi–UAE split tied to mainland clashes and an airport control shift after the UAE withdrew forces.
- The U.S. Department of State says it cannot provide consular services on Socotra, while embassies have contacted Saudi and Yemeni authorities to arrange exits.
- Stranded travelers from multiple countries report running low on cash with no ATMs or card payments available and limited options for supplies or transfers.
- Airport and airline sources indicate Yemenia flights could route passengers off the island via Aden and onward to Jeddah beginning January 7, though a broader restart remains uncertain.