Emirates Flights Begin Evacuating Stranded Passengers as Middle East Airspace Disruptions Continue

Flights operated by Emirates have begun arriving in the Maldives to transport passengers stranded due to the closure of several Middle Eastern airports following the outbreak of war in the region, Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen said.

Speaking at a press conference held at the President’s Office yesterday, Ameen said an Emirates aircraft arrived at Velana International Airport on Tuesday night to collect passengers affected by the disruptions.

He added that another Emirates flight was also scheduled to arrive later the same night to assist with transporting stranded travellers.

According to the minister, flight operations are currently being conducted through a narrow corridor via airports in the United Arab Emirates.

“Flight operations are now running through a very narrow corridor at Dubai and Sharjah airports, which includes routes to the Maldives,” Ameen said, referring to Dubai International Airport and Sharjah International Airport.

However, Ameen noted that the continued closure of Hamad International Airport in Doha remains a major concern, as it is one of the airports with the highest number of direct flights to the Maldives.

Air travel disruptions follow days of escalating attacks involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, which have led to temporary airspace closures across several Middle Eastern countries. Major airlines operating through the region have halted or rerouted services as a result.

Tourism and Environment Minister Thoriq Ibrahim said on Sunday that more than 4,900 tourists had been affected by the closure of Middle Eastern airspace, which resulted in the cancellation of 20 flights.

Flight schedules at Velana International Airport also showed that 17 additional flights scheduled to arrive from Middle Eastern destinations were cancelled on Monday as the escalating conflict continued to disrupt international air travel.