Yemeni Government Announces Completion of Transfer of Stranded Foreign Tourists from Socotra
Yemen Monitor / Newsroom:
The Yemeni government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, announced the completion of the operation to transfer foreign tourists stranded on the island of Socotra to the city of Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, via four flights operated by Yemenia Airways.
In an official statement, the ministry explained that Yemenia Airways transported 609 tourists of various nationalities, in coordination with the relevant authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and through direct communication with the embassies of the tourists’ home countries, ensuring their safety and the smooth handling of departure procedures.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs praised the efforts made by Yemenia Airways and its technical and administrative staff, commending their role in the success of the evacuation operation and in facilitating the transfer of the stranded tourists, within the framework of joint coordination with the concerned authorities.
The ministry also affirmed that it continues to monitor the conditions of citizens and foreigners in various governorates and to address any developments in a manner that safeguards everyone’s safety and reflects the government’s commitment to its humanitarian and diplomatic responsibilities.
Socotra is located approximately 300 kilometers off the Yemeni coast. Access to the island was previously possible only via Abu Dhabi Airport, which the United Arab Emirates has effectively controlled since 2018, when the first Emirati military transport aircraft landed on the island.
