The Government of Maldives has arranged additional international flight services to assist tourists wishing to depart the country following recent disruptions affecting aviation routes across the Middle East, according to Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen. The minister confirmed that twenty-three flights from eight countries had been scheduled to support visitors who had been temporarily unable to travel due to the interruptions in regional air traffic.
Minister Ameen stated that the situation has improved considerably as authorities worked with airlines and international partners to establish alternative travel routes to and from the Maldives. These efforts have helped stabilise travel arrangements for visitors while ensuring the country’s tourism industry continues to operate smoothly despite the temporary disruption.
The Maldives normally receives around sixty international flights each day, with approximately twenty of those services arriving from destinations in the Middle East. However, between 19 February and 3 March, the disruption resulted in the cancellation of roughly nineteen flights per day. The reduction in air services affected an estimated 2,800 to 3,000 tourists daily who were either travelling to or departing from the Maldives during that period.
The Minister emphasised that the aviation sector remains closely connected to the national economy, particularly to the tourism industry, which is the country’s primary source of foreign revenue. He noted that ensuring stable air connectivity is essential for maintaining visitor confidence and supporting the continued growth of Maldives’ internationally renowned tourism sector.
Several measures have been implemented to strengthen flight capacity and ease travel for visitors. Russia’s national airline Aeroflot has increased its operations to the Maldives to twice-daily flights, providing an additional capacity of approximately 2,000 passenger seats. Air India has also doubled its flight frequencies, further expanding connectivity between the Maldives and the South Asian region.
Authorities are also working to enhance connections between Europe and the United States through improved transit options. Plans are underway to replace two daily services operated by Etihad Airways and certain narrow-body aircraft used by AirAsia with larger wide-body aircraft. These adjustments are expected to increase passenger capacity and improve long-haul travel options once final arrangements are completed.
Additional connectivity improvements include the resumption of flights between the Maldives and Dhaka, restoring an important regional route. Discussions are continuing with several other countries and airlines to reinstate additional services and further strengthen the Maldives’ international aviation network.
The government has also facilitated increased movement of private jets during the period, allowing greater flexibility for high-end travellers visiting the country’s luxury resort destinations. Minister Ameen said these combined efforts have helped minimise the impact of the disruption on travellers while maintaining the strong reputation of the Maldives as a leading global tourism destination.
The Maldives continues to attract visitors from across the world with its distinctive island resorts, clear turquoise lagoons, and high standards of hospitality. With improved flight arrangements and strengthened international connectivity, authorities remain confident that travel operations will continue smoothly while supporting the tourism sector that plays a central role in the country’s economic stability and international appeal.
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