A number of Australian tourists are among hundreds of travellers stranded on the remote Yemeni island of Socotra, a destination officially deemed too dangerous for travel by Australian authorities. The situation has unfolded after a political rift between Gulf powers led to the closure of the island's main airport.
Consular Assistance Confirmed Amid Travel Ban
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has confirmed it is providing consular assistance to a small number of Australians currently in Yemen. However, a spokesperson noted that due to privacy obligations, no further comment could be provided. The assistance is understood to be extremely limited, as Australia does not maintain an embassy or consulate in Yemen. The closest diplomatic post is in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which cannot provide emergency services within Yemen itself.
Yemen, including the island of Socotra, is subject to a strict do not travel advisory from the Australian government. This warning is due to the ongoing armed conflict, a very high threat of terrorism, and the dangerous risk of kidnapping.
Airport Shutdown Strands 600 Tourists
The crisis began when air traffic at Socotra's main airport came to a halt last week. This followed the withdrawal of United Arab Emirates troops from Yemen under a deadline set by Saudi Arabia. Two airport sources told Reuters the facility remains shut and is no longer under Emirati control.
It is understood that approximately 600 tourists are currently stuck on the island, which is located roughly 300 kilometres off the coast of mainland Yemen. With the UAE's influence waning, travellers are now looking at alternative, uncertain routes to leave, including potentially travelling through Saudi Arabia.
Lithuanian tourist Aurelija Krikstaponiene, who travelled to Socotra for New Year's Eve, summed up the frustration, stating, Nobody has any information, and everyone just wants to go back to their normal lives.
From Tranquil Haven to Geopolitical Flashpoint
For years, Socotra has been a haven of tranquillity despite the brutal civil war raging on the Yemeni mainland. Accessible primarily by air via the UAE, it transformed into a niche tourist destination known for its magical beaches and unique flora, including the famous dragon blood tree.
The island came under effective UAE control in 2018. Through the Sheikh Khalifa Foundation, the UAE funded significant infrastructure projects, bringing electricity, safe water, and modernising the airport. This development, coupled with stunning scenery shared by influencers, fuelled a rise in the island's social media popularity.
However, the current stalemate stems from a deepening crisis between the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Both nations now back opposing factions in Yemen's civil war. Saudi Arabia is carrying out airstrikes to aid the internationally recognised Yemeni government against UAE-backed southern separatists, known as the Southern Transitional Council (STC), who run Socotra.
The STC seeks autonomy for southern Yemen, putting it in direct confrontation with Saudi-backed forces. While the STC remains in control of Socotra, the withdrawal of UAE troops has crippled airport operations. In a sign of shifting control, Yemeni airlines announced a flight to Jeddah for January 7.
The UAE did not immediately comment on whether all its troops had left, though one source indicated the withdrawal occurred last month. The Saudi government media office also did not immediately respond to questions regarding control of Socotra's airport.
