Over 4,900 Tourists Affected as Middle East Airspace Closure Cancels 20 Flights

Minister for Tourism and Environment Thoriq Ibrahim said more than 4,900 tourists have been affected by the closure of Middle Eastern airspace, which has led to the cancellation of 20 flights since yesterday.

According to Al Jazeera, Iran’s Fars news agency reported explosions in Tehran at around 9:27 am (06:27 GMT), with a US official stating the strikes were part of a joint operation with Israel. The escalation led to the closure of parts of Middle Eastern airspace, resulting in flight cancellations to the Maldives along that route.

Speaking at a press conference at the President’s Office today, Minister Thoriq said 4,929 tourists in the Maldives have been impacted. He said the ministry is working with relevant authorities and industry stakeholders to provide assistance.

He noted that the majority of affected tourists rebooked their original accommodation and returned to their resorts. Others opted to stay near Malé in guesthouses or resorts, while some chose to remain at the airport. A smaller number sought alternative routes and departed the Maldives.

“MACL has made the former domestic departure terminal into a waiting area, providing AC, chairs, water, and wifi. Additionally, above that, the Island Aviation lounge has been arranged so that families and children can stay there,” he said.

The minister added that sleeping arrangements have been provided for those who requested them, including pillows and blankets. A help desk has also been established at Velana International Airport in collaboration with Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) to provide information and assistance until regular flight schedules resume.

Nine flights were cancelled yesterday, with a further 11 cancellations confirmed for today.

Minister Thoriq said around 30 per cent of current tourist arrivals to the Maldives travel via Middle Eastern routes. He warned that if the situation persists, projected arrival numbers could be affected. The Maldives has forecast 2.5 million tourist arrivals before the end of 2026.

New Routes and Mitigation Measures Under Review

Minister Thoriq also said the Government is exploring new flight routes and increased frequencies to address disruptions caused by the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

“What routes can we increase the frequency of, and what routes should we be taking?” he said, noting that discussions are ongoing with industry partners to ensure travel continuity.

Yesterday, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu established a Special Cabinet Committee to assess the wider implications of the crisis. Each sector is reviewing the impact and implementing mitigation measures, with the Tourism Ministry focusing specifically on challenges affecting visitors and operators.

“I have been identifying the challenges tourists are facing and what we can address. We are also working to resolve the issues affecting the industry and what we can do to provide fixes for them,” Minister Thoriq said.

He added that other sectors are evaluating the broader effects of the conflict, including potential disruptions to food and fuel supply chains, as well as the welfare of Maldivian students studying abroad.