Socotra is often called the “Galápagos of the Indian Ocean.” With its surreal dragon blood trees, pristine beaches, and otherworldly landscapes, this Yemeni island is one of the most unique places on earth. For decades, its isolation kept it largely untouched by mass tourism—and even today, reaching it requires some advance planning. That’s where we come into play.
The most reliable and very safe way to get there is via the direct non-commercial flights from Abu Dhabi to Socotra. While these flights are officially designated for humanitarian purposes, they are open to visitors and, apart from the booking process, feel just like any other commercial flight you may have taken.
The Aircraft and Onboard Experience
Flights are operated by AirArabia on behalf of Emirates Aviation Services, using an Airbus A320 with seating for about 120 tourists. Despite being “humanitarian,” the flights are indistinguishable from a regular regional service. You’ll check in at Abu Dhabi International Airport’s main passenger terminal, board as usual, and enjoy a comfortable short-haul journey. Air Arabia is a world renown airline, covering 200+ destinations in 50+ countries. You will enjoy all amenities and services as on any other international flight.
Schedule and Frequency
Flights operate most reliably during the high season (October to April), when weather conditions are ideal for visiting Socotra.
- Outbound: Depart Abu Dhabi (AUH) around 8:00 AM, arriving in Socotra at approximately 9:30 AM.
- Inbound: Depart Socotra at 11:00 AM, landing back in Abu Dhabi at around 2:15 PM.
Note: This is the standard schedule for most flights between end of October 2025 and April 2026, but on some dates and occasions, flights may depart slightly earlier or later. We’ll inform you about your exact flight times.
Weekly pattern: Regular flights on Tuesdays, Fridays, and some Sundays. During popular months or special dates, additional services may be added on Mondays or Wednesdays. (Contact us to check availability for your dates.)
Price and Booking
Fare: USD 950 return per passenger (round trip).
Booking method: These flights can’t be booked online. Tickets are only available through local tour operators and we are more than happy to handle all of this for you. Many agencies do not book the flights directly for customers. Instead, they leave you to navigate the complex process on your own—usually involving international bank transfers or even carrying specific US dollar notes (from certain years!) to pay for services on the island.
We make it simple: with us, you can book your flights and visa in one go through our secure online checkout process. Just select the number of flights and visa entries you need, pay by credit card, and we’ll handle the rest, once we have received a copy of your scanned passport. No hassles, no risky transfers, no cash headaches—just peace of mind.
Be quick: Once flight schedules are out, flights do sell out very quickly. So if you are aiming for the best dates, we strongly advise to book at least 6 months in advance. Within 6 months, seats are subject to availability.
Practical Travel Tips
1. Arrive Early in Abu Dhabi
Since flights leave early in the morning, plan to arrive in Abu Dhabi the day before your departure to avoid any stress.
2. Visa Requirements
For most travelers, a Socotra visa is required, which costs USD 160. GCC residents (citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council countries) enjoy visa-free entry. We handle the visa application for you when you book with us, so everything is ready before you fly.
3. Baggage Allowance
The standard baggage allowance for these flights is:
- 20 kg checked luggage per passenger
- 7 kg cabin baggage
This is usually enough for a week of adventure, but we recommend packing light, as travel on the island often involves camping and overland trips.
4. Expect Reliability, but Keep Flexibility
Although these are humanitarian flights (and technically subject to changes), the schedule has proven very reliable in recent years. Still, it’s wise to keep some flexibility in your wider travel plans. We also strongly recommend getting a travel insurance (not included in the tour price) that covers trips to Socotra (see our recommendations in the FAQ) – so that you are covered in case of any unlikely last minute flight changes.
Why Socotra Is Worth the Journey
Getting to Socotra isn’t as simple as booking a regular holiday flight—but that’s exactly what makes it so extraordinary. The island is a UNESCO-listed biosphere reserve, home to plants and animals found nowhere else on earth.
- The iconic dragon blood trees that look like they belong in a fantasy novel.
- Miles of untouched beaches with turquoise waters and golden sand.
- Mountains and caves perfect for hiking and exploration.
- Warm and welcoming local communities, who live in harmony with the island’s environment.
Ready to Book Your Socotra Adventure?
We can help you secure your seat on the flights, arrange your visa, and design a complete Socotra experience. With limited flight capacity and high demand during the travel season, early booking is essential.
Let us handle the logistics so you can focus on discovering the magic of Socotra.
