Maldives Insight

Malé, Maldives – Maldives’ Minister of Tourism and Environment, Thorig Ibrahim, announced today that 19 international flights to and from the nation were cancelled due to escalating conflict in the Middle East. The announcement was made during a press conference held this evening at the President’s Office in Malé.

Impact on Tourism Sector

The disruptions primarily affect routes operated by major Middle Eastern carriers, including Emirates, Qatar Airways, and FlyDubai. Minister Ibrahim stated that a total of 4,929 tourists currently in the Maldives have been impacted by flight schedule changes and cancellations over the past two days.

Context of Disruptions

The flight interruptions follow an escalation of tensions in the Middle East. Reports indicate that Iran has launched retaliatory attacks against targets in Israel and US bases located in countries across the region. These developments have prompted airspace restrictions and operational adjustments by numerous airlines.

Official Measures and Tourist Relocation

In response to the situation, resorts across the Maldives have received instructions not to transport tourists to the airport until flight schedules have been verified. Minister Ibrahim clarified that while nearly 5,000 tourists have been affected, they are not stranded at the airport. He noted that some have returned to their respective resorts, while others have opted to stay in guesthouses situated near the capital, Malé.