Private jet arrivals to Maldives double in 2 weeks

The number of private jets arriving in the Maldives has more than doubled over the past two weeks, according to Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL).

MACL said 128 private jets arrived in the Maldives between the 28th of last month and the 14th of this month.

The figure represents an increase of 166 percent compared with the same period last year, when 70 private jets arrived in the country.

MACL data shows that an average of about five private jets arrived each day during the first two weeks of March last year. During the same period this year, the average increased to more than 12 arrivals per day.

According to the data, the 3rd of this month recorded the highest number of arrivals, with 18 private jets landing in the Maldives on that day.

During the same period last year, the highest number of private jet arrivals recorded in a single day was nine.

The Maldives Association for Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) said the increase in private jet arrivals is linked to developments in the Middle East.

The association said the change followed the cancellation of several flights in the region.