For several seasons, international travelers reached Socotra via Abu Dhabi on direct flights. In 2026, the departure point has shifted to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where weekly flights now connect to the island, operated directly by Yemenia Airways.
While the gateway has changed, the journey remains structured and well-organized. The schedule has returned to the original Tuesday-to-Tuesday format, restoring the full 8-day Socotra experience — a complete week on the island to explore dragon blood tree plateaus, limestone caves, white-sand beaches, and the dramatic mountains that define this UNESCO-listed biosphere.
If you are planning a Socotra tour in 2026, below you will find everything you need to know about the Jeddah to Socotra flight schedule, aircraft details, booking process, the technical fuel stop in Mukalla, and transit procedures in Jeddah.
Flight Schedule: Jeddah – Socotra – Jeddah (2026)
(last updated: 25/02/2026)
All flights are expected to operate as follows:
Outbound – Tuesday
Jeddah → Socotra
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Return – Tuesday
Socotra → Jeddah
2:45 PM – 7:10 PM
with a 45min fuel stop in Mukkala
The route is operated using an Airbus A320, one of the world’s most widely used commercial aircraft for short- and medium-haul routes, offering a direct three-hour crossing over the Arabian Sea.
The Technical Fuel Stop in Mukalla
Due to the absence of fueling infrastructure at Socotra Airport, the return flight to Jeddah includes a short technical stop in Mukalla.
This stop lasts approximately 45 minutes and is purely for refueling. Passengers remain seated on the aircraft at all times — there is no disembarkation and no immigration procedure involved.
Mukalla operates as a regional airport on Yemen’s southern coast and handles regular domestic traffic. The airport is administered by local authorities and has remained stable in recent years. Since travelers stay inside the aircraft throughout the refueling process, the stop is treated entirely as a standard aviation procedure rather than a transit destination. From a passenger perspective, it is simply a brief pause before continuing onward to Jeddah.
Airline & Aircraft
Flights are operated directly by Yemenia Airways using an Airbus A320 in standard commercial configuration.
This ensures professional flight crew, established airline operations, and direct carrier management of the route. The aircraft type is well-suited for the Jeddah–Socotra sector and provides a reliable connection for 2026 travelers.
How to Book the Jeddah to Socotra Flight (2026)
The Jeddah–Socotra flight cannot be booked online through the airline’s website or via public booking platforms.
We will help you securing seats directly through Yemenia Airways in coordination with confirmed Socotra tour bookings.
When booking your tour, you simply select the flight option during checkout. We then handle the airline reservation process on your behalf and issue your ticket directly through Yemenia Airways. Once confirmed, you receive written flight confirmation by email.
This coordinated booking system ensures that flight seats align with your approved travel permit and tour arrangements.
2026 Flight Cost
The roundtrip flight between Jeddah and Socotra is:
USD 950 per person
Because there is limited weekly capacity on this route in 2026, securing flights in coordination with your tour booking is essential.
Transit at Jeddah Airport (Important for 2026 Travelers)
All flights depart from Terminal N (North Terminal) at King Abdulaziz International Airport.
Most international arrivals land at the Main Terminal, so a transfer is required. The process depends on whether you are traveling with checked luggage.
If You Travel with Hand Luggage Only
This is the simplest and fastest option.
Saudia provides a direct airside bus from the Main Terminal to Terminal N. No immigration procedures are required, no Saudi visa is needed, and the transfer is quick and efficient.
For travelers heading to Socotra in 2026, traveling with hand luggage significantly simplifies the connection in Jeddah.
If You Have Checked Luggage
If you check baggage, the transfer process requires entering Saudi Arabia before continuing to Terminal N.
The steps are:
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Take the airport train to Arrivals/Baggage Claim
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Obtain a Saudi visa if you do not already have one
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Visa on arrival fee: SAR 400
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Alternatively, visitors can apply for a standard Saudi tourist visa online in advance at visa.visitsaudi.com (recommended)
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Pass immigration
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Take a taxi to Terminal N
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Approximately 22 minutes depending on traffic
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Around SAR 76
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In practice, the full transfer can take over one hour from landing to arrival at the Yemenia check-in counter. Travelers with checked luggage should plan sufficient connection time in Jeddah.
Drone Regulations for Socotra Travel
If you plan to bring a drone on your 2026 Socotra trip, it must be declared upon arrival at the international terminal in Jeddah. The drone will be temporarily held there and then collected again at Terminal N before boarding your Socotra flight.
Please inform us in advance if you are traveling with a drone so we can guide you through the procedure smoothly.
Planning Your 2026 Socotra Journey
With weekly departures from Jeddah operated by Yemenia Airways and the restored Tuesday-to-Tuesday schedule, travel to Socotra in 2026 remains organized and clearly structured. The point of departure may have shifted, but the experience upon arrival is unchanged — remote, pristine, and unlike anywhere else in the world.
If you would like assistance securing your seat or planning your 2026 Socotra tour, we are happy to help you prepare for the journey. See you in Socotra!
