Free-of-Charge Rebooking Options Being Offered to Limit Cancellations Amid Middle East Disruptions

Offering rebooking options without additional charges has helped ensure many visitors postpone their trips to the Maldives rather than cancel them entirely, Tourism and Environment Minister Thoriq Ibrahim said today. 

Speaking at a press conference by the ministerial committee formed to mitigate the economic impact of the ongoing Middle East conflict, Thoriq said authorities and tourism industry stakeholders have been working together to manage the disruptions to travel.

Thoriq acknowledged that March and April are likely to see a number of cancellations but said the rebooking arrangements have helped soften the impact.

“So far, many travellers are choosing to reschedule their trips instead of cancelling them completely,” he said.

According to the minister, initial efforts focused on assisting stranded passengers at Velana International Airport, where facilities were arranged to support tourists waiting for flights. Designated areas were set up where passengers could sit, eat, and rest, while Wi-Fi access and an information desk were also provided to keep travellers updated.

The Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) coordinated the support services, including a special canteen offering food and essentials at reduced prices. At one point, about 150 tourists spent the night at the airport while waiting for flights, though that number has now dropped to around 12 people remaining in the lounge. 

Industry associations also stepped in to assist affected visitors. The Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) and the Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) worked with resorts to arrange extended stays for stranded tourists. Many resorts agreed to offer discounted rates for guests needing additional nights, an initiative led by MATI.

Despite the disruptions, Thoriq said tourism had shown strong growth in recent months. Arrivals increased by five percent year-on-year in January and by 17.6 percent in February.

However, around 30 percent of tourist arrivals typically come from the Middle East, and the conflict has affected travel from the region. Authorities said the resulting drop in arrivals has reduced overall capacity to about 31 percent.

To offset the shortfall, the government is working to increase flights from other major markets, particularly China, India, and Russia, by boosting flight frequencies, the minster said. Discussions are also ongoing with Turkish Airlines to expand operations, while additional marketing campaigns aimed at key markets are set to begin next month.

Authorities also confirmed that assistance has been provided to 1,888 stranded tourists so far, while a dedicated hotline has been established to support affected visitors and provide further information.

Thoriq urged the public and industry stakeholders to follow official announcements and updates issued by the ministry.

He added that the Maldivian tourism sector has endured global crises and conflicts in the past and expressed confidence that the industry will once again overcome the current challenges.