Three Airlines Preparing to Launch Maldives Flights for Winter Season

Three airlines, including one from the Middle East, are preparing to begin operations to the Maldives, according to aviation expert and Inner Maldives owner Mohamed Firaq.

Firaq made the statement as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to disrupt the Maldives’ tourism industry, affecting air travel and tourist arrivals.

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According to figures released by the Ministry of Tourism, tourist arrivals declined to 207,707 last month, compared with 216,309 recorded in March.

In a social media post, Firaq said three airlines are in the final stages of preparations to launch flights to the Maldives ahead of the upcoming winter season. He said official announcements regarding schedules would be made once administrative and regulatory procedures are completed.

Without disclosing the names of the carriers, Firaq said the planned services include one airline from the Middle East and two airlines from Asia.

He also said the Maldives would continue to expand and take advantage of opportunities to strengthen the tourism sector despite current challenges.

A significant share of tourists travelling to the Maldives arrive through Middle Eastern transit routes, which have been heavily impacted by widespread flight cancellations linked to the regional conflict.

Despite the decline in overall tourist arrivals, private jet traffic to the Maldives has increased significantly during the ongoing crisis.