Maldives seeks additional airlines amid Middle East flight disruptions
The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation on Sunday said it is working to attract additional airlines to the Maldives to manage the impact of flight disruptions linked to the conflict in the Middle East.
Several airlines have temporarily suspended services to the Maldives following hostilities involving the United States, Israel and Iran. These include Emirates, flydubai, Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways. As a result, a number of tourists have been unable to depart the country.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the ministry said changes in global civil aviation and tourism patterns are affecting the Maldives, noting the importance of flights from the Middle East to the national economy, particularly the tourism sector.
The ministry said its focus is on reducing difficulties faced by tourists visiting the Maldives, Maldivians travelling abroad, and residents affected by flight cancellations.
According to the statement, some airlines operating routes between the Maldives and the Middle East have adjusted schedules, while others continue to operate as planned.
The ministry said it is in discussions with relevant authorities to increase connectivity by bringing in airlines from Southeast Asia, East Asia and India to offset the impact of the current situation.
It added that aviation operations will continue to follow established safety and service standards.
Flights between the Maldives and the Middle East have largely been disrupted, with 14 flights cancelled on Sunday. Tourism Minister Thoriq Ibrahim said on Saturday that more than 1,400 tourists had not been able to leave the Maldives since the disruptions began.
