Private Jet Arrivals Surge Despite Flight Disruptions, Says Transport Minister

Private jet arrivals to the Maldives rose sharply in March, increasing by an estimated 120 to 130 per cent despite disruptions to commercial aviation caused by the ongoing Middle East conflict, according to Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen.

A total of 626 flights have been cancelled since the outbreak of war in the region on 28 February, although some suspended routes have recently resumed operations. Commercial carriers continue to operate at reduced capacity, with Qatar Airways reducing its schedule from three or four daily flights to one or two, while Emirates is currently operating two daily services.

The government is intensifying efforts to attract high-spending visitors, with private jet traffic emerging as a key area of growth. Around 190 private jets were recorded in March, compared to approximately 80 during the same period previously, reflecting a significant increase attributed to coordinated efforts across ministries. Private jet arrivals, which typically peak during the Christmas and New Year holiday period, have continued to rise in recent weeks, with more aircraft parked at Velana International Airport.

Authorities are also working to reduce reliance on Middle Eastern routes by expanding connectivity with other regions. AirAsia and Air India have increased services to Asian destinations, while Turkish Airlines has extended its flight schedule. An agreement with Ethiopian Airlines is expected to be signed within the next two weeks as part of these diversification efforts.

Despite the rise in private jet traffic, overall tourist arrivals have declined due to the impact of the Middle East conflict. A total of 166,616 tourists visited the Maldives last month, marking a 20.7 per cent decrease compared to the same period last year, according to figures released by the Tourism Ministry. Industry stakeholders have indicated that the current situation presents an opportunity to further boost private jet arrivals while working to stabilise overall visitor numbers.