Maldives seeks more flights from India, China and Russia amid Middle East disruption
The Maldivian government said it is working to increase flight services from India, China and Russia following disruptions to tourism routes linked to the conflict in the Middle East.
About 30 to 35 percent of tourists travelling to the Maldives normally arrive through airlines or transit routes in the Middle East. However, several airlines from the region have suspended services, resulting in cancellations of daily flights.
In response, a cabinet committee formed to address the economic impact of the conflict held a press conference on Thursday to outline measures to reduce the impact on tourism.
Tourism Minister Ibrahim Thoriq said the government is working to increase flights and strengthen marketing in other tourism markets.
“Our focus must be on China, India and Russia. We are working to establish more flight routes from these countries and progress has already been made,” he said.
Thoriq said discussions are also underway with the Turkish government regarding services by Turkish Airlines.
He added that marketing campaigns targeting India, China and Russia are expected to begin early next month.
Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen outlined steps being taken to increase connectivity from key markets.
According to Ameen:
- Aeroflot and Air India have indicated plans to increase flight capacity to the Maldives.
- AirAsia is working to introduce wide-body aircraft on its Maldives route, with a capacity of about 500 passengers per flight.
- Etihad Airways plans to increase its Maldives service to two flights per day.
- The national carrier Maldivian will begin flights to Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Ameen also said arrivals by private jets have continued despite the reduction in commercial flights from the Middle East.
He noted that the Maldives has recorded several private jet arrivals carrying visitors in recent days.
