Socotra Travel Update: New Flight Schedules

Are you searching for a truly unique travel experience? Good news: flights to Socotra, the mysterious island off the coast of Yemen, are now available through March 2026. Don’t wait too long, seats are limited and often sell out quickly. These flights have made access to Socotra much easier, though this extraordinary island remains a destination for true pioneers and adventurous travellers.

Why Visit Socotra?

Known as the “Galápagos of the Indian Ocean,” Socotra is a paradise for adventure seekers and nature lovers. The island offers surreal landscapes with iconic dragon’s blood trees, pristine beaches untouched by resorts, and authentic local culture. Experience campfires under starry skies, explore remote villages, and enjoy genuine Yemeni hospitality. Socotra is free from mass tourism, providing a raw, pure travel experience. Don’t expect luxury, but do expect an unforgettable adventure.

We organise both group tours and tailor-made private trips to Socotra. Independent travel is not permitted in Socotra, and practically impossible due to poor road infrastructure. But we got you! You will always travel with a driver and local guide in a 4×4 vehicle.

How to Travel to Socotra?

Planning a trip here is not easy, but don’t worry – we are here to help. Since flights cannot be booked online independently, we handle all arrangements for you. Thanks to our extensive local contacts, we arrange your flights, visa, accommodations, driver, and guides on-site. There are two main routes to get to the island:

1. Direct Flight via Abu Dhabi
The easiest way to get to Socotra is a direct flight from Abu Dhabi. A round-trip ticket costs $980 per person. Below is the flight schedule valid until March 2026:

Outbound flight (Abu Dhabi → Socotra)

•  Every Tuesday: departures between 08:00 – 09:15
•  Every Friday: departure at 08:00
•  Sunday flights are irregular until January 2026. From January 2026: flights every Sunday departing at 08:00.
  

Return flight (Socotra → Abu Dhabi)

•  Every Tuesday: departure between 11:00 – 12:00
•  Every Friday: departure at 11:00
•  Sunday flights are irregular until January 2026. From January 2026: flights every Sunday departing at 11:00.

Tip: Connections in Abu Dhabi are not always ideal. We recommend booking at least one overnight stay in the UAE.

2. Flight via Cairo and Aden
Another option is flying from Cairo, Egypt with a stopover in Aden, Yemen, then continuing to Socotra. During the Aden stopover, you are not allowed to leave the airport. This route requires a Yemen visa, which we can arrange for €200. The Yemenia Airways round-trip ticket from Cairo to Socotra costs $1195 per person and the booking is also arranged by us.

Practical Information

Visa: When you book a tour with us, we handle your Socotra visa. This visa is valid only for Socotra and not for mainland Yemen. To apply, we need a copy of your passport. Upon arrival on Socotra, you will receive the original visa and a stamp in your passport at customs.

Safety: Socotra island is safe to explore. There is a significant difference in safety between mainland Yemen and Socotra. While parts of mainland Yemen are unstable, Socotra is largely unaffected by conflicts. Socotra residents speak of mainland issues with sadness, but consider themselves mostly independent from Yemen. Travel advisories often group Socotra with mainland Yemen, but the situation on the island is very different to that on the mainland. Security is managed by the UAE and Saudi Arabia, with strong local oversight. Should conditions change, we will update you immediately.

Travel Insurance: Most countries have a negative travel advisory for Yemen, including Socotra. You need insurance that covers this, such as policies via IATI.

Money: There are no ATMs on Socotra. US Dollars are widely used and easily exchanged, so make sure to bring enough with you. Euros are sometimes accepted at banks and exchange offices too, but US Dollars are preferable.

Internet: Don’t expect fast or stable internet. Hotels generally offer limited Wi-Fi, enough for messaging apps like WhatsApp. There is no mobile phone coverage on the island – so inform your loved ones before you go and then enjoy disconnecting on the beautiful island!

Our group tours and private tours

Ready to explore this one-of-a-kind destination? We offer both tailor-made private trips and 8-day group tours perfectly aligned with the flight schedules. Whether you prefer a personalised, peaceful journey or the camaraderie of a small group, we have you covered.

Here are the dates for upcoming group tours to Socotra. Since plane capacity is limited, we recommend booking early!

Contact us for more information or to book your Socotra travel experience. Don’t wait: Socotra is ready for true explorers like you!