Aden, Yemen – The Yemeni archipelago of Socotra witnessed a significant escalation of popular protests this morning, Wednesday. Dozens of citizens gathered at the gate of Socotra International Airport in Hadibu and began setting up tents for an open-ended sit-in, protesting the suspension of flights, which they described as an undeclared “air blockade.”
Human suffering and stranded tourists
This protest action came after a sudden halt to flights since the evening of Tuesday, December 23. This halt resulted in dozens of passengers being stranded inside airport terminals and in hotels on the island.
The list of those stranded includes critical humanitarian cases such as patients needing treatment abroad and the elderly. Additionally, there are groups of foreign tourists whose return flights have been disrupted, threatening the tourism season on which the archipelago’s economy directly depends.
“The only artery” is under threat
The protesters raised banners emphasizing that the airport is “the only lifeline” for Socotra, given its geographical isolation. Socotra is more than 300 km from the nearest point on the mainland.
The protesters declared their absolute rejection of any justifications (technical or security-related) for the closure. They considered the continued suspension of flights to be collective punishment of the island’s residents and a devastating blow to the education and essential supply sectors.
Online activism and southern solidarity
This sit-in coincides with a widespread movement on the “X” platform. The hashtag #RejectTheClosureOfSocotraAirport trended, with broad participation from southern politicians and activists. Tweeters linked the airport issue to broader political demands for the restoration of the South Yemeni state. Amid a wave of popular solidarity, similar marches were held in the Shabwa and Hadramawt governorates (Sayun and Mukalla) in support of the people of Socotra.
Lack of official explanation
To date, no official statement has been issued by the Yemeni Civil Aviation Authority or local authorities clarifying the true reasons behind the suspension of air traffic. Speculation continues to oscillate between unforeseen technical malfunctions and security and political motives linked to the tense situation in the region.
The protesters at the Hadibu tent camp affirmed that they would not leave their location or dismantle their tents until the first plane landed at the airport. They are demanding the resumption of normal air traffic.
