Yemen Monitor / Newsroom:
The first direct flight from the Socotra Archipelago arrived today, Wednesday, in the city of Jeddah, carrying approximately 180 tourists. This move has been described as a “sovereign and significant operational step,” reflecting the success of government efforts and institutional coordination to resolve the status of tourists and enhance international aerial links with the archipelago.
Informed sources reported that the flight transported 179 stranded tourists out of a total of approximately 600. The remaining tourists are scheduled to be transported over the coming hours through subsequent flights as part of an organized plan.
The sources clarified that these tourists had previously arrived on Socotra Island via Abu Dhabi, which had been the sole gateway allowed for tourist entry into the archipelago using Emirati aircraft.
In this context, the Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism, Muammar al-Eryani, praised the significant efforts of Yemenia Airways, led by Chairman Captain Nasser Mahmoud, in facilitating this flight. He emphasized that this achievement is not just an exceptional event but serves as a true launchpad for establishing regular direct flights between Socotra and Jeddah in the coming days.
Al-Eryani noted that this step will open broader horizons for international tourism and contribute to building confidence in the national carrier and its pivotal role in supporting the national economy.
The Minister confirmed that launching direct flights marks the beginning of a wider strategy aimed at expanding tourism to the Socotra Archipelago in a deliberate and sustainable manner.
