No flights, no way out: How did 400 tourists end up stuck on Yemen’s Socotra island

Key Highlights

• Socotra's deputy governor for culture and tourism, Yahya bin Afrar, said, "We have more than 400 foreign tourists...
• their flights have been suspended." Another local official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that all foreign and domestic flights have been grounded on the island since a state of emergency was declared late last month.
• "We now have 416 foreigners stranded of different nationalities, including more than 60 Russians," he said.
• The island normally receives three weekly flights from Abu Dhabi, carrying foreign tourists.
• "We have appealed and called for the resumption of flights," the official added, emphasising that the airport should be "kept away from political conflict." A travel agent in Socotra, also speaking on condition of anonymity, corroborated the figure, noting that many Russians, as well as at least two Chinese tourists, are among those stranded.