Yemen Airlines has announced on January 7 that it will operate two additional commercial flights from Socotra Island to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, as part of efforts to evacuate stranded tourists.
The flights, numbered IY5060, are scheduled for January 8 and 9, 2026. According to the Russian Embassy in Yemen’s statement, tickets for these services can only be purchased at Yemen Airlines offices located in Socotra, Aden, Riyadh, Jeddah, Dubai, Cairo, Mumbai, and other cities.
On January 5, the Russian Embassy reported that it had received multiple appeals regarding dozens of Russian citizens stranded on Socotra Island. The embassy noted there was no data on the restoration of flight schedules to the island at that time but stated it is collecting information and coordinating with the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations, and Yemeni authorities to arrange evacuations.
Dmitry Rusakov, a tourist on Socotra Island, confirmed on January 7 that conditions for Russian tourists remain stable. He reported that the first group had already departed for Jeddah earlier that morning and that accommodations, food, and other necessities are being provided.
The situation has been complicated by recent regional developments. On December 31, a Saudi-led coalition launched military operations following reports that UAE ships docked at Yemeni ports without authorization. Yemeni authorities subsequently declared a state of emergency for 90 days and demanded the immediate withdrawal of all UAE forces from their territory.
