To a steady rise in demand from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, Air Arabia, one of the leading low-cost carriers in the region, has announced that it will double its flight frequency to the Maldives starting 27 October 2025. The airline currently operates one daily flight between Sharjah International Airport and Velana International Airport (VIA), and will increase this to two daily flights to enhance travel accessibility and offer greater convenience for travelers visiting the Maldives.
This expansion marks exactly one year since Air Arabia first launched direct flights to Malé on 27 October 2024. Since then, the airline’s Maldives route has gained significant traction among tourists looking for cost-effective travel options to the Indian Ocean’s tropical paradise. According to Adel Abdullah Ali, Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia, the decision to increase flight frequency reflects growing interest and strong passenger demand for the Maldives, a destination that remains high on the travel bucket list of many international tourists.
“The increased frequency will offer greater flexibility for customers and support the rising demand for travel to the Maldives,” Ali stated, noting the strategic importance of the destination in Air Arabia’s expanding global network of over 80 destinations spanning the Middle East, Europe, and Africa. The airline’s fleet, consisting of modern Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft, will be deployed for the increased operations.
Air Arabia’s move aligns with the broader trajectory of growth in Maldives tourism. As of mid-2025, the country has already welcomed over one million tourists, with a target of reaching 2.3 million arrivals by year-end. The Maldives continues to be a sought-after destination, especially among travelers from the Gulf countries, due to its pristine beaches, luxury resorts, and visa-on-arrival policy for most nationalities. Tourists from the MENA region account for a growing percentage of arrivals, with the UAE consistently ranking among the top ten source markets for the Maldives, according to official statistics from the Ministry of Tourism.
This latest development also supports the Maldives government’s wider strategic goal of increasing annual tourist arrivals to five million within the next five years. Central to this vision is the ongoing expansion of Velana International Airport. A new international passenger terminal is scheduled to open later in 2025, enabling the airport to accommodate a larger number of international flights and provide enhanced services for global travelers.
In addition to expanding air connectivity, tourism continues to play a vital role in the nation’s economy. According to the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA), the tourism sector accounted for over 40% of the country’s GDP and more than 70% of foreign exchange earnings in 2024. Revenue generated through Tourism Goods and Services Tax (TGST) reached MVR 8.9 billion last year, making it the largest single source of government income. With the surge in air traffic from major carriers like Air Arabia, this figure is projected to increase substantially in 2025.
The timing of the increased frequency is also favorable, as it aligns with the start of the Maldives’ high season for tourism, which begins in late October and runs through April. This period typically sees an influx of tourists from colder regions seeking winter escapes, and Air Arabia’s expanded service will cater to the seasonal uptick in demand from UAE-based travelers and transit passengers connecting from Europe and the wider MENA region.
For tourists from the Middle East looking for a seamless, affordable getaway to one of the world’s most scenic destinations, the enhanced connectivity offered by Air Arabia reaffirms the Maldives’ reputation as an accessible and welcoming destination year-round.
As the Maldives continues to elevate its tourism infrastructure and deepen ties with major airlines, travelers can expect improved access, increased service options, and a more robust hospitality experience that reflects the archipelago’s commitment to sustainable and inclusive tourism development.
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