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Great news for you! The flight to Socotra Island is available now, so you can directly fly to Socotra from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia!
Known as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Socotra Island is home to more than 800 plant species. A tour to Socotra allows you to fully explore more spectacular natural wonders. But how to get to Socotra?
The only way to Socotra is to fly there via commercial flights, including direct flights via Jeddah, flights via Cairo and Aden, and non-stop charter flights from Abu Dhabi. However, the direct flight to Socotra Island via Abu Dhabi has been temporarily suspended. And the direct flight from Jeddah belongs to a new flight to Socotra, also operated by Yemenia Airways.
Those Socotra flights are not available online. Feel free to contact us for the newest info, and we can help you book seats through our specific connection with the local airline to fix Socotra flight booking problems. And our escorted tours to Socotra Island will offer you an ultimate experience to discover its charm!
Option 1: Direct Flights via Jeddah (Recommended for 2026)
The New Primary Route
Due to the limited flight options, hot tropical desert climate, and other political reasons, Socotra Island is considered a niche spot. Less than 5,000 people visit this mysterious island every year. Therefore, Socotra Island is a perfect tourist destination for you to enjoy a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle. You can fully discover the rare native species and stunning landscapes.
Flight is the only way to Socotra. Since the route via Abu Dhabi was suspended, a new direct flight from Jeddah to Socotra was opened in February 2026. The flight departing from Jeddah flies to Socotra, and its return flight will stop to refuel at Al Mukalla Airport for about 1.5 hours. The Jeddah to Socotra flight has now become the major way to reach the Socotra airport. This new airline is operated by Yemen Airways (Yemenia), and the price is about $1,100 USD for a round trip.
Current Jeddah-Socotra Flight Schedule
Yemenia Airways operates one direct flight from Jeddah to Socotra on Tuesdays, and its return flight is usually operated on Mondays. Scroll down to check more details about this Socotra flight schedule.
| Day | Route | Departure (Local Time) | Arrival (Local Time) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | Jeddah (JED) → Socotra (SCT) | 11:00 AM | 2:30 PM |
| Monday | Socotra (SCT) → Jeddah (JED) | 10:30 AM | 2:00 PM |
Note:
Flights to Socotra, Yemen, are limited. Currently, this flight from Jeddah to Socotra only operates once a week, and the seats are quite limited. Therefore, early reservation is necessary; reach out to us sooner if you need!
Jeddah Transit Requirements: Saudi E-Visa
Saudi Arabia offers both an E-visa and a visa on arrival, allowing you to stay in the country for 90 days a year. And a visa processing is estimated to cost you around $130-140 USD per person. An e-visa will be highly recommended, which is available online. And we would like to help you deal with the visa processing. But if you choose the visa on arrival, remember to bring a Visa card or a Master Card cause it does not accept cash payment.
Before you set off from Jeddah, you can spend several days in Saudi Arabia. Step into the expansive desert and take a stroll in Jeddah to discover the ancient history. Our 6-day Saudi Arabia tour can take you to experience the charm of this largest country in the Arabian Peninsula.
Option 2: Flights via Cairo and Aden (Backup Option)
What to Expect on This Route
1. As the flight via Cairo is not a non-stop flight, you should take the flight from Cairo via the mainland of Yemen. During the connecting flight in Aden, you will stay a night in Aden, or you can also visit some spots within the mainland.
2. When it comes to visa issues, a Socotra visa needs to cost $200 USD. It is valid for 30 days and allows you to enter Socotra only. If you take a Cairo to Socotra flight, you are required to pay about $300-1,000 USD for a separate Yemen visa. The Yemen visa fee specifically depends on the different cities in Yemen.
3. Pay more attention to the local situation if planning to travel to the mainland.
Current Flight Schedule
Also operated by Yemenia Airways, flights from Cairo to Aden operate more frequently, about twice a day. But Aden to Socotra flights only run twice weekly (Thursday and Sunday). More detailed flight schedules to Socotra are enumerated below for your reference.
➤ CAI → ADE (about 2 flights a day)
| Dep-Arr Port | Day | FlNo | STD | STA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAI-ADE | Monday | IY-601 | 9:30 | 14:00 |
| CAI-ADE | Monday | IY-613 | 21:30 | 2:00 |
| CAI-ADE | Tuesday | IY-603 | 18:45 | 23:15 |
| CAI-ADE | Wednesday | IY-609 | 9:30 | 14:00 |
| CAI-ADE | Wednesday | IY-613 | 21:30 | 2:00 |
| CAI-ADE | Thursday | IY-603 | 18:45 | 23:15 |
| CAI-ADE | Friday | IY-613 | 7:00 | 11:30 |
| CAI-ADE | Saturday | IY-607 | 10:45 | 17:00 |
| CAI-ADE | Saturday | IY-609 | 15:30 | 20:00 |
| CAI-ADE | Sunday | IY-609 | 15:45 | 20:15 |
| CAI-ADE | Sunday | IY-611 | 22:30 | 3:00 |
➤ ADE → SCT (Thursday & Sunday)
| Dep-Arr Port | Day | FlNo | STD | STA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ADE-SCT | Thursday | IY-430 | 9:00 | 12:30 |
| ADE-SCT | Sunday | IY-420 | 8:00 | 10:45 |
➤ ADE → CAI (about 2 flights a day)
| Dep-Arr Port | Day | FlNo | STD | STA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ADE-CAI | Monday | IY-600 | 6:00 | 8:30 |
| ADE-CAI | Monday | IY-612 | 18:00 | 20:30 |
| ADE-CAI | Tuesday | IY-602 | 6:00 | 8:30 |
| ADE-CAI | Wednesday | IY-608 | 6:00 | 8:30 |
| ADE-CAI | Wednesday | IY-612 | 18:00 | 20:30 |
| ADE-CAI | Thursday | IY-602 | 6:00 | 8:30 |
| ADE-CAI | Friday | IY-612 | 3:30 | 6:00 |
| ADE-CAI | Saturday | IY-606 | 5:00 | 9:45 |
| ADE-CAI | Saturday | IY-608 | 12:00 | 14:30 |
| ADE-CAI | Sunday | IY-608 | 3:30 | 6:00 |
| ADE-CAI | Sunday | IY-610 | 19:00 | 21:30 |
Option 3: The Suspended Abu Dhabi Route
Operated by Air Arabia, this flight belongs to a government-chartered flight, which cannot be booked online either. In this way, you should find the local tour operator to get tickets.
At present, this non-stop charter flight from Abu Dhabi to Socotra is temporarily suspended due to regional dynamics. We will offer you the newest info if it updates. The following flight schedules are for your reference.
➤ AUH → SCT (Tuesday & Friday & Sunday)
Tuesday: 8:00–9:30 (476)
Friday: 8:00–9:30 (476)
Sunday: 8:00–9:30 (476)
➤ SCT → AUH (Tuesday & Friday & Sunday)
Tuesday: 11:00–14:15 (477)
Friday: 11:00–14:15 (477)
Sunday: 11:00–14:15 (477)
Can I Book Socotra Flights Online?
No, flights to Socotra Island are not available online. You can only book it from a reliable travel agency to make a reservation. As a licensed local tour operator in Socotra, we can reserve seats for you so you do not have to worry about this tricky problem. The flight options and capacity are limited, especially during the peak season. So contact us sooner to embark on your unforgettable tour to Socotra.
FAQs about Socotra Travel
1. What airlines fly to Socotra?
The airlines to Socotra Island currently include 3 routes, including direct flight via Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, flight via Cairo and Aden, and non-stop charter flight via Abu Dhabi. Note that the direct flight from Abu Dhabi has been temporarily canceled.
2. How early should I book my flight?
It is advisable to book flights to Socotra 4-6 months in advance. During the peak season, flights tend to fill up quicker than in the low season. So you are advised to book earlier.
3. Are there direct flights from Europe to Socotra?
There are no direct flights from Europe to Socotra. And Socotra flights are quite limited. You can take the flight from Jeddah to Socotra operated by Yemenia Airways. Alternatively, you can also choose the flights to Socotra Island via Cairo and Aden.
4. What is the cheapest month to fly to Socotra?
So far, Socotra flight prices generally remain the same, whether in the peak season or off-peak season. The best time to visit Socotra is from mid-October to April, with cooler and pleasant weather. It is not recommended to start your Socotra Island tour during the slack seasons due to the murderous heat and monsoon season.
5. Is Socotra Safe?
The unstable situation of mainland Yemen has an impact on Socotra Island tourism to some extent. And most of the travellers are worried about Socotra's safety. As a matter of fact, Socotra Island is quite safe and disconnected from the regional dynamics of the mainland owing to its isolated location. Tourism here is organized safely, and natives are friendly, so you can fully immerse yourself in breathtaking Socotra attractions.
6. What to pack to travel to Socotra?
Considering it will be a long journey, we provide you with a packing list for reference.
Apart from when you are in the car, most of your time will be spent walking through every spot. Therefore, hiking boots or sturdy shoes are quite necessary. Besides, prepare yourself with sandals for the pool.
Owing to the arid tropical desert climate, you can enjoy the pleasant weather during the peak season. At the same time, you will be exposed to the sun. Sunscreen, hats, scarves, and sunglasses can shield your body and eyes from ultraviolet light.
Quick-dry clothing will be lighter and more comfortable on hot days.
Pack insect repellent to chase away mosquitoes and other gnats.
Pack a high-capacity power bank for your devices.
Pack some snacks and plenty of water to refuel your strength and stay hydrated.
Do not forget to prepare yourself with some cash, as it is cash only in most stores. Though there are ATMs in town, it is relatively distant.
You can bring some medications in case of unexpected situations.
Plan Your Socotra Tour with Wild Socotra Tours
As the most alien-looking place on Earth, the Isle of Socotra boasts rich flora and fauna. It is definitely a mecca for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Get your friends and family to embark on your unparalleled expedition to Socotra Island now. Our Socotra guided tours will bring you an ultimate travel experience and save you the trouble of booking flights to Socotra so that you can focus on your journey.
Or you can also get in touch with us to tailor your personal Socotra itinerary according to your pace and schedule.
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