Middle East Conflict Cuts Daily Tourist Arrivals to Maldives by Around 50 Per Cent

Daily tourist arrivals to the Maldives have declined by around 50 per cent due to the escalating conflict in the Middle East, according to the Ministry of Tourism Maldives.

The disruption follows the temporary closure of several major airports in the region after military strikes involving Israel and Iran, which triggered widespread flight cancellations. Many of the affected flights were originally scheduled to land at Velana International Airport in Malé, Velana International Airport.

Tourism ministry data shows that 8,929 tourists arrived on 28 February, followed by 6,440 arrivals on 1 March and 4,107 arrivals on 2 March. These figures represent a significant drop compared with previous high arrival days, including 11,136 tourists recorded on 15 February, one of the highest daily arrival numbers in recent months.

Officials noted that travellers from the Middle East account for approximately 35 per cent of daily arrivals to the Maldives. As a result, disruptions in regional flight operations have had an immediate effect on tourism flows and national revenue.

Flight schedules began to change significantly from Sunday, when 14 flights were cancelled in a single day. Industry sources indicated that further schedule adjustments remain possible depending on developments in regional security conditions.

Tourism sector stakeholders have expressed concern about the potential economic impact of prolonged disruption. The chief executive officer of Inner Maldives stated that the situation requires coordinated action between government agencies, tourism operators and the public to reduce the negative effects on the sector.

Industry leaders have emphasised that tourism remains the backbone of the Maldivian economy, and extended disturbances to international travel could have broader economic consequences if the situation persists.