Private Jet Arrivals Surge by 125 Per Cent in March Comparison, Says Minister Ameen

Private jet arrivals to the Maldives have increased significantly, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation.

Statistics shared at a press conference held at the President’s Office showed that 84 private jets arrived in March 2025, compared to 189 in March 2026, representing an increase of 125 per cent. In April, arrivals rose from 64 jets in 2025 to 93 so far this year, marking a 45.3 per cent increase.

advertisement

Despite the growth in luxury travel, overall tourist arrivals have seen a slight decline. The Maldives recorded an average of 7,085 daily arrivals last year, while the current figure stands at 6,855, reflecting a decrease of 3.2 per cent.

Minister Mohamed Ameen stated that the growth is particularly evident in the high-end tourism segment, with a sharp rise in private jet movements into the country.

However, recent data indicates a short-term recovery, with tourist arrivals increasing by 2.2 per cent over the past week, totalling 35,653 visitors. The minister attributed this improvement to the resumption and expansion of international flight operations following earlier disruptions linked to global conditions.

Airlines including Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways have resumed services, while Flydubai and Air Arabia have also restarted operations. In addition, Aeroflot and Turkish Airlines have increased flight frequencies, while carriers such as Belavia and Flynas have expanded their services.

The minister also highlighted a shift in source markets, noting that Australia has entered the Maldives’ top 10 tourism markets. He stated that the introduction of flights to Australia by Maldivian has contributed to this development, alongside broader efforts to sustain and grow the tourism sector amid ongoing global challenges.