Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen has said flight capacity to the Maldives is increasing despite disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, noting that Government efforts to stabilise air connectivity are showing results.

Speaking at a press conference held by the special Cabinet committee on the Middle East conflict, Minister Ameen said around 99 per cent of tourists arrive in the Maldives by air, and that flight cancellations had initially led to a decline in tourist arrivals.

He said measures taken so far have resulted in expanded capacity from airlines including Air India, Aeroflot and AirAsia, while carriers from the Middle East such as Emirates, Etihad and flydubai continue to operate an average of two flights per day to the Maldives.

Minister Ameen added that Qatar Airways is scheduled to begin daily flights from April 9, with the schedule now confirmed, while Belarusian airline Belavia is also preparing to commence operations as administrative processes near completion, and Aeroflot has indicated plans to add three additional flights per week after April.

He further noted that demand for travel to the Maldives is improving, with flight booking load increasing from an average of 50 per cent to around 75 per cent, reflecting recovery in travel despite ongoing challenges.