Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Mohamed Ameen has stated that while tourist arrivals to the Maldives have declined due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, measures taken by the Government to address the situation have begun to produce positive results.

The minister made the remarks during a press briefing held by a special cCabinet ommittee established by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu to assess challenges faced by Maldivians due to the regional conflict.

Minister Ameen said the conflict has led to the closure of certain Middle Eastern airspaces, resulting in the cancellation of about 18 flights scheduled to arrive in the Maldives each day. Normally, around 60 flights operate daily to the Maldives.

He added that the cancellations meant that approximately 2,800 to 3,000 tourists are unable to travel to the Maldives each day. He noted that the affected flights also carry cargo shipments, meaning the disruptions have impacted freight services as well.

The conflict, which escalated on February 28, also left a number of tourists stranded in the Maldives. The minister said the Government arranged 23 flights to eight countries to assist tourists in returning home.

Minister Ameen said the Government has taken several short-term measures to reduce the tourism shortfall. These include adding 14 additional flights, increasing seat capacity by around 2,000.

He noted that Air India flights have been increased to twice daily to strengthen connections with Europe and the United States, while Etihad Airways will also begin operating double daily flights to the Maldives.

The Government is also working with AirAsia to replace narrow-body aircraft on its Maldives route with wide-body aircraft to increase passenger capacity.

Despite the temporary reduction in flights, the minister said private jet arrivals to the Maldives have increased. He also noted that Maldivian has resumed flights to Bangladesh as part of efforts to expand connectivity.