Nearly 5,000 tourists affected by flight disruptions amid Middle East conflict

A total of 4,929 tourists in the Maldives have been affected by disruptions to air travel following the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Tourism Minister Thoriq Ibrahim said on Sunday.

Speaking at a press conference held at the President's Office, the minister said alternative arrangements are being provided for tourists who were unable to depart due to flight cancellations over the past two days.

Thoriq said many passengers had arrived at the airport to depart after the situation in the Middle East worsened, but flights were cancelled at short notice.

“The total number affected is about 4,929 tourists. We are working closely with airlines,” he said.

He added that the Ministry of Tourism is coordinating with industry stakeholders to manage congestion at the airport and assist affected passengers.

The minister said efforts are ongoing to support tourists currently in the Maldives.

Meanwhile, Maldives Airports Company Limited, the Ministry of Tourism, and other relevant agencies are providing assistance at Velana International Airport.

Separately, the Ministry of Transport said it is working to bring additional airlines to the Maldives to reduce the impact of the situation in the Middle East.

In a statement, the ministry said flights from the Middle East are important to the national economy, particularly the tourism sector. It said the current focus is to reduce difficulties faced by tourists visiting the Maldives, Maldivians travelling abroad, and residents of the country.

The Transport Ministry said discussions are underway with relevant authorities to attract airlines from Southeast Asia, East Asia, and India to support connectivity during the disruption.