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Welcome to the captivating realm of Socotra, an ecological treasure nestled in the Indian Ocean. As we delve into the practicalities of your Socotra journey, let’s first unravel the enigmatic allure of this remote destination.
Socotra, an island in the Indian Ocean, has long fascinated adventurers and nature enthusiasts with its otherworldly landscapes and unique flora and fauna. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore not only the natural wonders of Socotra but also the practical aspects of traveling to this remote destination.
Before you can immerse yourself in Socotra’s extraordinary beauty, you need to know how to get there. We’ll delve into the flight options available and the intricacies of planning your journey.
There are no direct flights to Socotra. Whether you’re traveling from the United States, Europe or anywhere else, you should book an international flight to AbuDhabi (capital of UAE), or Cairo, the capital of Egyptian.
Deciding how to reach Socotra is a crucial step in your journey. Two main flight routes, via Cairo and Abu Dhabi, offer access to this remote paradise. Let’s explore both options in detail.
Due to recent political and military developments affecting Yemen and the Socotra Archipelago, all regular charter flights from Abu Dhabi to Socotra operated by Air Arabia have been halted indefinitely. Flights were cancelled in early January 2026 and remain suspended as of January 29, 2026, leaving incoming and outgoing air traffic disrupted and the island effectively isolated from its previous UAE-based service.
Status: Suspended — All charter flights previously operated by Air Arabia from Abu Dhabi (AUH) to Socotra (SCT) and return are no longer operating due to geopolitical tensions following clashes between UAE-aligned and Saudi-aligned forces in Yemen and the UAE withdrawal from Socotra.
These flights were twice weekly (Tuesdays and Fridays) during the prior season but are not currently flying and there is no confirmed resumption date.
Reliable access to Socotra via Cairo with a strategic stopover in Aden. Ideal for international travelers seeking flexible routing and mainland Yemen connections.
Your trusted route from Egypt & Europe to Socotra — the most established gateway for international travelers.
The Cairo → Aden → Socotra itinerary is the most established and widely used gateway for travelers coming from Egypt, Europe, and beyond. This route includes a planned stopover in Aden (often overnight) and is ideal when booked as part of a fully managed Socotra travel package.
Why choose this route? With consistent scheduling, established ground handling in Aden, and coordinated permit processing, this route minimizes travel uncertainties. Our packages handle all logistics from Cairo through to Socotra arrival.
Book the complete Cairo-Socotra route package to get:
Times are approximate and may vary; always confirm exact schedule at booking.
| Segment | Departure | Arrival | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAI → ADE | ~21:00 – 22:30 | ~00:30 – 02:30 (+1 day) | Overnight international leg |
| ADE → SCT | ~08:30 – 10:00 | ~10:30 – 12:30 | Domestic connection |
| SCT → ADE | ~12:00 – 14:00 | ~14:30 – 16:30 | Return domestic leg |
| ADE → CAI | ~18:00 – 21:00 | ~20:30 – 23:30 | International return; timing varies |
Typical frequency: Weekly / limited multi-weekly depending on season.
Total travel time: Approximately 24–36 hours including Aden stopover.
Important: Aden stopover requires overnight stay. Aden accommodation can be arranged separately.
Baggage allowance: Typically 20kg check-in + 7kg cabin baggage.
For hassle-free travel, we recommend booking a complete package that includes flights, permits, and Socotra logistics.
Fly to Cairo International Airport (CAI) from your origin. Allow sufficient connection time for Yemenia flight (4-6 hours recommended).
Take Yemenia's evening flight from Cairo to Aden. This is an overnight flight arriving early morning next day.
Aden stopover is typically overnight. Hotel & transfers are not included in standard packages but can be arranged separately through your operator.
Take the domestic connection from Aden to Socotra Airport (SCT) in the morning.
Your tour operator meets you at Socotra Airport and handles all transfers to accommodation. Your adventure begins!
Permits: Required for Socotra entry. Must be arranged in advance through licensed operators.
Yemen Visa: May be required depending on nationality and routing. We provide guidance.
Processing Time: Allow 10-15 business days for permit processing when booking.
Click on any question to expand the answer. Still have questions? Contact our team.
No — Air Arabia Abu Dhabi suspended its Socotra charter flights in early January 2026. The current active international links to Socotra are via Yemenia's Cairo and Jeddah services. We recommend booking through these established routes.
This route typically operates weekly, with occasional multi-weekly flights during peak seasons. Schedules are subject to change based on operational requirements and permissions. We always confirm the exact schedule at the time of booking and provide updates if changes occur.
Yes, permits are required. Most travelers require pre-arranged permits and coordination for Socotra entry. Additionally, a Yemen visa may be required depending on your nationality and routing. We strongly recommend booking as part of a package where permit and visa coordination are included in the service.
Not recommended for most travelers. Due to flight variability, permit requirements, and local procedures in Aden, we strongly advise traveling with a licensed operator. Package bookings ensure coordinated flights, arranged overnight stays in Aden (can be arranged separately), permit processing, and local support throughout your journey.
The Aden stopover is typically overnight (approx. 8-12 hours). Important note: Aden hotel & transfers are not included in standard packages but can be arranged separately through your operator.
With our optional Aden arrangements, this includes:
The typical baggage allowance for Yemenia Airways on this route is:
Please verify exact baggage allowance at time of booking as it may vary. Additional baggage may be available for purchase.
A smarter way to plan a fully personalized journey to Socotra & South Yemen. Use the Trip Planner to build your journey step by step, real flights, and transparent pricing... You can adjust choices at any time and see updates instantly.
Create My Trip PlanThe fastest and most direct international route to Socotra, connecting Saudi Arabia and the island with a weekly Yemenia Airways service.
Direct flights from Saudi Arabia — the fastest international gateway to Socotra for regional travelers.
Yemenia Airways now operates direct Jeddah ↔ Socotra services — a streamlined international gateway ideal for travelers connecting from Riyadh, Dubai, Cairo and beyond. This direct route eliminates the need for overnight stopovers, reducing total travel time and complexity.
Why choose this route? With direct flights, same-day connections from many regional hubs, and simplified logistics, the Jeddah route offers the most efficient access to Socotra. Perfect for travelers seeking to maximize their time on the island.
Secure your spot on the direct Jeddah-Socotra flight. Book early as seats are limited on this popular route.
Reserve Jeddah–Socotra FlightConfirm exact times at booking — schedules may vary based on operational requirements.
| Segment | Departure (Local) | Arrival (Local) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| JED → SCT | ~07:00 – 09:00 | ~11:00 – 13:30 | Direct international flight |
| SCT → JED | ~13:00 – 15:00 | ~17:30 – 19:30 | Return same-day typical |
Frequency: Planned weekly service (often Mondays/Tuesdays). Flight times & days may vary.
Flight Duration: Approximately 3.5–4 hours one-way.
Aircraft: Typically Airbus A320 family aircraft.
Baggage Allowance: Typically 20kg check-in + 7kg cabin.
No overnight stopovers means you arrive on Socotra rested and ready to explore. Perfect for shorter itineraries or travelers with limited time.
For the smoothest experience, book our Jeddah connection package that handles flights, permits, and Socotra arrangements.
Book your international flight to King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED). Excellent connections from Dubai (2h), Riyadh (1.5h), Cairo (2h), and other regional hubs.
Take Yemenia's direct JED → SCT service. Morning departures mean you can connect from overnight flights and arrive on Socotra by midday.
Your tour operator meets you at Socotra Airport and handles all transfers to accommodation. Your adventure begins immediately!
Click on any question to expand the answer. For Jeddah-specific queries, contact our Jeddah specialists.
Direct flights and no overnight stopovers. Jeddah provides direct international flights to Socotra, eliminating the need for overnight stays in Aden. This reduces total travel time by 12+ hours and simplifies logistics, making it ideal for travelers with limited time or those preferring direct routing.
The Jeddah route also offers better connections from Gulf hubs like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, and Doha.
Flight duration is approximately 3.5 to 4 hours one-way, depending on specific routing and conditions. This is significantly shorter than the Cairo route which requires an overnight stop in Aden and totals 24+ hours of travel time.
The direct flight operates at a comfortable altitude with typical in-flight service on Yemenia Airways.
Currently, Yemenia operates planned weekly service on the Jeddah-Socotra route. Early schedules typically show flights on Mondays or Tuesdays, but this can vary based on operational requirements and demand.
We recommend booking well in advance and confirming the exact schedule at time of reservation, as flight days and times may be adjusted.
Yes, permits are still required. All travelers to Socotra require pre-arranged entry permits and local coordination, regardless of entry point (Jeddah or Cairo). The permit process is the same for both routes.
Booking as part of a package ensures proper permit coordination and prevents issues at check-in or arrival. Independent travelers may face challenges obtaining permits without local contacts.
The typical baggage allowance for Yemenia Airways on the Jeddah-Socotra route is:
Please verify exact baggage allowance at time of booking as it may vary. Additional baggage may be available for purchase.
Transit through Saudi Arabia requires attention to visa regulations:
We provide updated transit information and assistance with visa requirements as part of our booking service.
A smarter way to plan a fully personalized journey to Socotra & South Yemen. Use the Trip Planner to build your journey step by step, real flights, and transparent pricing... You can adjust choices at any time and see updates instantly.
Create My Trip Plan
| Feature | 🇪🇬 Cairo → Aden → Socotra | 🇸🇦 Jeddah → Socotra |
|---|---|---|
| Route Type | International + Domestic | Direct International |
| Airline | Yemenia Airways | Yemenia Airways |
| Stopover | Yes (Aden, usually overnight) | No |
| Total Travel Time | ~24–36 hours | ~4–5 hours |
| Flight Frequency | Weekly / Limited multi-weekly | Weekly |
| Ease of Travel | Moderate | Easy |
| Reliability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very High | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ High |
| Speed | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Best For | Europe, Egypt, Africa departures | Gulf & Middle East departures |
| Visa & Permits | Required in advance | Required in advance |
| Independent Travel | Not recommended | Not recommended |
| Overall Rating | 🏆 Most Reliable | ⚡ Fastest Route |
Which route should I choose?
If you prioritize reliability and are traveling from Europe or Egypt, the Cairo route is the safest choice.
If you want speed and simplicity, the Jeddah direct flight is the fastest way to reach Socotra.
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 Yemenia Airways Cairo (CAI) → Aden (ADE) → Socotra (SCT) 1180$ Cairo (CAI) 8:00 pm Socotra (SCT) 11:25 am |
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Yemenia Airways Jeddah (JED) → Socotra (SCT) 890$ Jeddah (JED) 11:00 am Socotra (SCT) 2:30 pm |
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Yemenia Airways Cairo (CAI) → Aden (ADE) → Socotra (SCT) 1180$ Cairo (CAI) 8:00 pm Socotra (SCT) 11:25 am |
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Yemenia Airways Cairo (CAI) → Aden (ADE) → Socotra (SCT) 1180$ Cairo (CAI) 8:00 pm Socotra (SCT) 11:25 am |
All schedules and flights are dynamic and can change at short notice due to ongoing political and military developments. Always verify the latest information with the airline or a trusted travel professional before planning or booking travel.
No. All Air Arabia charter flights from Abu Dhabi to Socotra have been suspended indefinitely since early January 2026.
Yes. Yemenia Airways currently operates flights via Jeddah and Cairo–Aden, providing continued access to the island.
Jeddah: Faster, direct, ideal for tourism
Cairo: More flexible, useful when Jeddah seats are full
Flights operate on a limited weekly schedule. Frequency may increase or change depending on operational conditions.
Yes. International travelers can book through authorized agents and travel partners. We assist with ticketing and confirmations.
Flights are subject to government clearance and operational conditions. We monitor schedules daily and support rebooking if needed.