A sharp increase in transshipment cargo volumes through the Maldives’ sea-to-air service in September 2025 reflects the growing importance of the island nation as a key logistics transit point connecting South Asia with Europe and other global destinations. During the month, 433 tonnes of cargo, equivalent to 111 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) were processed under the sea-to-air model, marking a substantial rise from 291 tonnes (77 TEUs) recorded in August.
First launched in May 2024, the sea-to-air cargo initiative is a joint effort by Maldives Ports Limited (MPL), Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), and Maldives State Shipping (MSS), in cooperation with several international airlines. The service provides exporters with a hybrid transport solution that combines the affordability of sea freight with the time efficiency of air cargo, particularly benefiting time-sensitive shipments to global markets.
Data from MPL reveals that in September, nine international airlines participated in the service, linking the Maldives with 20 countries including Germany, Spain, Palestine, Canada, and the United States. This compares to 18 destination countries served the previous month, indicating a rising interest in utilizing the Maldives as a transit gateway. Over its first year of operation, the service has successfully handled a total of 1,078 tonnes of transshipment cargo, equivalent to 258 TEUs.
The cargo predominantly originates from South Asian markets and is re-exported to Europe and other regions, leveraging the Maldives’ geographic advantage. MACL has emphasized the country’s strategic location in the Indian Ocean, which provides frequent flight connectivity to major global hubs. With this expanding international network, the Maldives is increasingly being recognized as an efficient transit and logistics partner for global supply chains, especially for exporters targeting fast delivery times without compromising cost-efficiency.
As more airlines integrate into the transshipment network, and demand from European and international buyers grows, the sea-to-air model is strengthening the country’s profile not only as a world-renowned tourist destination but also as a rising logistics hub within the global trade ecosystem. This dynamic development aligns with the broader vision of enhancing the Maldives’ role in international commerce, offering investors and businesses a reliable and geographically strategic point of connection between continents.
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