Socotra Residents Reject Yemenia Flight Suspension and Warn of Humanitarian and Livelihood Crisis in the Archipelago
Yemen Monitor / Newsroom:
The decision by Yemenia Airways to suspend its flights to and from the Socotra Archipelago starting Sunday has sparked widespread anger among residents of the governorate, who warned of serious humanitarian and economic consequences if the suspension continues.
In this context, Fahd Kafain described the suspension of domestic flights, particularly those serving Socotra, as “an unacceptable measure nationally, humanely, and morally.” He called on the airline and the relevant authorities to immediately reverse the decision and resume flights without delay.
In a post on Facebook, Kafain said that the reasons given for suspending flights could not justify depriving more than 200,000 residents of the archipelago of their only air transport link to the rest of Yemen. He argued that the decision imposes severe isolation on the island’s population and intensifies their suffering.
He warned that continued flight suspensions could force some residents to rely on unsuitable maritime transportation, putting their lives at risk. He recalled previous incidents in which travelers lost their lives while attempting to travel by sea.
Kafain also held Yemenia Airways and the Ministry of Transport fully responsible for any harm or hardship resulting from the continued suspension. He noted that the decision would negatively affect patients, students, and other travelers, as well as disrupt transportation, supplies, and essential services throughout the archipelago.
He called for an urgent resolution to the crisis and the resumption and scheduling of flights within the current week to prevent further deterioration of humanitarian and living conditions for Socotra’s residents.
On Saturday, Yemenia Airways announced the suspension of flights to and from Socotra Island effective Sunday, citing a shortage of fuel required to operate air services.
