Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen has announced that the Government has reduced jet fuel prices and increased flight frequencies to the Maldives as part of ongoing efforts to minimise the impact of the conflict in the Middle East on the country’s tourism sector.

He made the remarks during a press briefing held today at the President’s Office following a meeting of the Special Cabinet Committee established by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu to formulate and implement policies in response to the crisis.

Minister Ameen said the Government has undertaken a range of measures aimed at preventing a decline in tourist arrivals and encouraging airlines to maintain and expand operations to the Maldives.

Providing details of the progress achieved, the minister said that when the conflict first began, an average of 99 flights to the Maldives were cancelled each week. He noted that this figure has now fallen to around 70 flights per week, representing an improvement of 22 per cent.

He said major Gulf carriers have resumed operations to the Maldives, including Emirates and Qatar Airways, while five major airlines are currently operating regular services to the country.

Minister Ameen also said that flight schedules for the summer season are being finalised and that, based on planned airline operations, the number of passengers arriving in the Maldives is expected to increase by 2 per cent compared with the same period last year.

He noted that travellers now have more options to reach the Maldives than they did a year ago, which is expected to support further growth in arrivals.

The minister further revealed that, effective from 15 May, the price of jet fuel has been reduced from USD 1.90 per litre to USD 1.60 per litre.

He said the reduction was introduced as an incentive to attract more airlines to the Maldives and strengthen the country’s connectivity with key tourism markets.