Qatar Airways resumes flights to Maldives

Qatar Airways has resumed flight operations to the Maldives on Thursday after a temporary suspension linked to the Middle East conflict.

The airline had halted services to several destinations, including the Maldives, following disruptions to regional air travel.

Under the revised schedule, Qatar Airways will operate five weekly flights between Malé and Doha.

Doha functions as a transit point for a large share of visitors travelling to the Maldives, including those from Europe and the United States.

Mohamed Firaq, Managing Director of Ace Travels, the airline’s General Sales Agent in the Maldives, confirmed the resumption of operations.

He said the first incoming flight carried 11 tonnes of cargo, while the outbound flight transported 4,000 kilograms of export cargo.

Firaq noted that the route supports the transport of perishable goods to the Maldives.

Data indicates that more than 30 per cent of visitors to the Maldives transit through hubs in the Middle East. Disruptions to air connectivity in the region have affected arrivals.

The Maldives also depends on imports from Middle Eastern countries for a share of its food supply. The disruption in flights has affected the availability of some goods.

The government has stated that arrangements are being made to source imports from alternative markets.