How to get to Socotra

The flight

Socotra is served by a Yemenia Airways charter operating between Jeddah King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) and Hadibo Airport (SCT). Typical schedule:

• Outbound: Jeddah departs ~09:00, Socotra arrives ~12:00 (flight time ~3h; both cities are UTC+3)
• Return: Socotra departs ~13:00, Jeddah arrives ~16:00

Flights operate on Thursdays and Fridays only. There is no daily service. Confirm exact timings with your operator — schedules change seasonally.

Booking and availability

The charter fills up quickly. Book 6–7 months in advance. November, February, and March slots go first. Your operator handles the flight booking as part of the tour package — the ~$950 charter cost is bundled into the deposit.

You do not book the flight independently.

Baggage allowance

• Checked: 30 kg
• Carry-on: 7 kg
• The charter enforces these limits at check-in. Discuss excess baggage with your operator before departure if you're travelling with camera equipment, a drone, or dive gear.

Jeddah transit notes

Plan to arrive in Jeddah the day before your Socotra departure. Same-day connections from long-haul flights are too tight given the charter's fixed morning schedule. Book a hotel near JED if needed.

Drones: do not carry drones in cabin baggage through Jeddah Airport. Pack drone gear in your checked luggage and declare it. Always verify current transit rules with your operator before you travel.

The visa

A Yemeni entry visa is required. Cost: $150, typically included in tour packages. Your operator pre-registers your details with Yemeni authorities. Bring your passport (valid 6+ months beyond travel dates) and $150 in clean USD to the airport on arrival day.

Arrival

Your guide meets you at Hadibo Airport. The airport is small; logistics are handled quickly. From there, the tour begins immediately — you drive directly to your first camp. Do not arrive expecting shops, ATMs, or a hotel check-in. Everything is set up before you land.