The Maldives’ sea-to-air cargo service continued its steady expansion in February, with a total of 99 tonnes of cargo exported to six countries through the integrated logistics service. The shipment volume is equivalent to approximately 20 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), reflecting the growing role of the Maldives as an emerging logistics hub connecting maritime and air freight networks.
Sea-to-air cargo operations involve transporting goods to the Maldives by sea and then forwarding them to international destinations via air freight. The service enables efficient consolidation and rapid global distribution of cargo, offering businesses a cost-effective and flexible logistics solution. In February, cargo transported through this service was carried by major international airlines including Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Lufthansa, Swiss Airline, Turkish Airline and Virgin Atlantic, demonstrating the strong global connectivity available through the Maldives’ aviation network.
The sea-to-air cargo service was introduced on 15 May 2024 through a collaborative effort between Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) and Maldives Ports Limited (MPL). By integrating the operational capacities of Velana International Airport and the country’s port infrastructure, the initiative has created a streamlined logistics platform that facilitates the movement of goods from maritime routes directly into international air cargo channels.
According to statistics released by MPL, the service has steadily expanded since its launch and is now connected to more than 17 international airlines through the combined operational efforts of MPL and MACL. This growing airline network enables cargo to be efficiently transferred from maritime shipments to air freight services destined for multiple global markets.
The sea-to-air logistics model has shown strong economic potential for the Maldives, generating millions of dollars in revenue while strengthening the country’s role in international trade and logistics. With a wide range of international airline connections and an established maritime network, the Maldives continues to position itself as a strategic transit point for cargo moving between regional shipping routes and global air freight corridors. Industry stakeholders note that the country’s geographic location and expanding aviation connectivity provide significant opportunities for further growth in the sea-to-air cargo sector, supporting broader economic diversification and international trade development.
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