Dubai: Hundreds of tourists are stranded on Yemen’s Socotra island after flights were suspended due to escalating violence on the mainland, two officials and a travel agency told AFP on Monday.

In recent days, air travel in and out of Yemen has been heavily restricted following clashes between rival armed factions, each loosely aligned with the Yemeni government but backed separately by Abu Dhabi and Riyadh.

Socotra's deputy governor for culture and tourism, Yahya bin Afrar, said, "We have more than 400 foreign tourists... their flights have been suspended."

Another local official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that all foreign and domestic flights have been grounded on the island since a state of emergency was declared late last month. "We now have 416 foreigners stranded of different nationalities, including more than 60 Russians," he said.

The island normally receives three weekly flights from Abu Dhabi, carrying foreign tourists. "We have appealed and called for the resumption of flights," the official added, emphasising that the airport should be "kept away from political conflict."

A travel agent in Socotra, also speaking on condition of anonymity, corroborated the figure, noting that many Russians, as well as at least two Chinese tourists, are among those stranded.

Socotra, known for its lush landscapes, unique flora and fauna, and turquoise waters inhabited by dolphins, has long been a draw for adventurous travellers and social media influencers.

Located around 350 kilometres (200 miles) off the Yemeni coast in the Indian Ocean, the Socotra archipelago comprises four islands and two rocky islets and is home to about 50,000 people. The islands have largely remained untouched by the war devastating Yemen’s mainland.