Saudi Arabia has taken a new step to restore Yemen’s Socotra Archipelago to international air traffic by launching a direct flight linking the island with Jeddah, following the resumption of operations at the governorate’s public hospital and government university under a Saudi-backed development program.
The move was described as a qualitative shift that restores the archipelago to the global tourism map.
Yemen’s national carrier, Yemenia Airways, operated its first direct flight between King Abdulaziz International Airport and Socotra International Airport, marking the return of Socotra to international air traffic after years of absence, during which tourism flights were limited to a small number of regional routes.
The direct air link is expected to help revive tourism and open broader prospects for the flow of foreign tourists who visit the island each year, drawn by its pristine nature and rare environmental diversity.
Officials from the local authority in the Socotra Archipelago governorate and the Ministry of Transport said the launch of the route represents a qualitative addition to strengthening air connectivity, supporting tourism and service activities, and easing residents' movement.
They added that the move also carries economic and development dimensions that enhance the archipelago’s stability and sustainable development.
Socotra International Airport hosted an official reception ceremony for the first group of tourists arriving on the new route, attended by Mohammed Al-Yahya, representative of the Saudi Program for the Development and Reconstruction of Yemen, along with several Yemeni officials.
The event included artistic and heritage performances reflecting the island’s unique cultural legacy, in a message underscoring Socotra’s readiness to receive global tourism.
Yemeni officials said relevant authorities are working to operate direct flights from several Arab countries in the coming phase, which would help double visitor numbers and stimulate accommodation, services, and eco-tourism sectors.
They said the launch of the new air route would open promising economic horizons, ease travel for citizens, and enhance the archipelago’s integration into its regional and international surroundings.
This development coincides with the Saudi Program for the Development and Reconstruction of Yemen announcing the resumption of operations at Socotra General Hospital, with full coverage of its operating costs, as part of a package of vital development projects provided by the Kingdom to Yemen.
The program said restarting the hospital would enhance its capacity to meet the growing health needs of residents and help reduce medical referrals outside the governorate, easing the burden on citizens.
Deputy Governor of the Socotra Archipelago governorate, Raed Al-Juraibi, praised the step, saying it represents an essential addition to reviving tourism and strengthening the archipelago’s presence as a global tourist destination, given its natural assets and unique environmental diversity.
The deputy director of Socotra International Airport also commended the Saudi role in facilitating procedures for operating the route and linking Socotra with the Kingdom, confirming the airport’s readiness to receive flights and provide the necessary facilities for passengers.
This followed the reopening of the University of Socotra Archipelago, which resumed operations after a several-week suspension due to a funding halt, following the withdrawal of Emirati forces from the governorate at the request of the Yemeni government.
The university’s return marked a pivotal step in supporting higher education and maintaining stability in the archipelago's educational process.
The Saudi-led coalition supporting legitimacy continues efforts to normalize life in the temporary capital Aden, improve services, oversee the restructuring of security agencies, and remove military camps from the city.
In this context, work has begun on rehabilitating and upgrading the main runway at Aden International Airport, less than a week after the foundation stone for the third phase of the rehabilitation project was laid.
The phase includes supplying modern navigation equipment and communications systems, raising the readiness of infrastructure and logistics services, and improving passenger experience and service quality.
Acting Minister of Transport Nasser Sharif said rehabilitating the airport would improve its operational efficiency and strengthen its position as the country's main air gateway.
Amid improving security and services in Aden, Minister of State and Aden Governor Abdul Rahman Sheikh renewed his call on the UN to relocate the headquarters and operations of international organizations from Houthi-controlled areas to Aden, saying this would improve the effectiveness of humanitarian work and ensure aid reaches those who need it.
During a meeting with the UN senior adviser for security and safety, Jorge Alturas, the governor discussed ways to enhance joint coordination with international organizations, affirming the local authority’s readiness to provide necessary facilities to help ease citizens’ suffering and promote stability.
