A growing number of international airlines are now part of a strategic logistics initiative that is positioning the Maldives as a key transshipment hub in the region. Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), the operator of Velana International Airport, has confirmed that 17 major international airlines are now integrated into its sea-to-air cargo transshipment service, an initiative launched in collaboration with Maldives Ports Limited (MPL).
Introduced in May 2023, this multimodal transport solution enables the efficient movement of freight arriving by sea to be swiftly transferred to air carriers for international delivery. The service is designed to enhance supply chain flexibility, reduce transit times, and support environmentally responsible logistics. Businesses using this channel now have access to a network that connects the Maldives to 23 international destinations through the combined use of maritime and air freight services.
Within just one year of operations, the sea-to-air cargo service has successfully moved over two million kilograms of freight, contributing millions in foreign revenue to the Maldivian economy. The model has proved especially beneficial for time-sensitive and high-value goods, helping global exporters utilize the Maldives as a reliable hub for cargo routing between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
MACL emphasizes that the growth of this hybrid transport model is not only a logistical achievement but also a strategic step in strengthening the country’s economic resilience through diversification. By leveraging its geographic location at the heart of major shipping lanes and air routes, the Maldives is becoming an increasingly attractive transit point for international trade.
The development aligns with broader national efforts to reinforce the Maldives’ reputation as more than just a world-class tourist destination. It also highlights the country’s capacity to serve as a vital logistics and transport hub in the Indian Ocean. The integration of sea and air services is expected to attract more foreign partnerships, boost investor confidence, and open additional trade routes for global supply chains.
As the Maldives continues to innovate beyond traditional tourism, initiatives such as this sea-to-air cargo model underline the nation’s commitment to offering sophisticated infrastructure that complements its natural appeal, while driving sustainable economic growth.
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