Hundreds of tourists, primarily from Russia and Poland, found themselves stranded on the Yemeni island of Socotra after flights were suspended last week due to escalating tensions on the mainland. The flight cancellations stemmed from a conflict between the Yemeni government and a separatist faction that had seized control of two key provinces in early December.

On December 30, the Yemeni government implemented a 72-hour air, sea, and land embargo on the country, impacting flights to and from Socotra, an island recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its unique biodiversity. According to Yahya Saleh Issa bin Afrar, a Yemeni government official in Socotra, approximately 600 tourists were affected.

Socotra, located in the Arabian Sea approximately 240 kilometers (150 miles) east of the Horn of Africa and 380 kilometers (240 miles) south of Yemen, is known for its distinctive flora and fauna, much of which is found nowhere else on Earth. The island's isolation has fostered a high degree of endemism, making it a significant location for biodiversity conservation.

The recent conflict in Yemen has further complicated the situation. Yemen has been embroiled in a civil war since 2014, pitting the internationally recognized government against the Houthi rebels, who are backed by Iran. The conflict has created a complex humanitarian crisis, with millions displaced and facing food insecurity. The Saudi-led coalition, which includes the United Arab Emirates, has been supporting the Yemeni government in its fight against the Houthis.

The United Arab Emirates had previously played a significant role in Socotra, providing aid and infrastructure development. Tourists had been traveling to Socotra from Abu Dhabi on Air Arabia, an Emirati-owned airline. Air Arabia's press office did not respond to requests for comment regarding the flight cancellations.

On Tuesday, the Russian and Polish governments announced via social media that Yemenia Airways, Yemen's national carrier, would begin operating a new flight route to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to assist in the evacuation of the stranded tourists. The new route offers a potential solution for the tourists seeking to leave the island.