News Desk
Tourism Minister Ibrahim Thoriq says the Maldives is moving quickly to protect the sector from the fallout of the Middle East conflict, launching new marketing drives and negotiating additional flights as cancellations ripple through key routes.
Speaking at the press conference of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s Special Ministerial Committee on the crisis, Thoriq said tourist arrivals had reached record levels in January and February, rising 5 percent and 17.6 percent respectively. But the conflict has led several Middle Eastern airlines to suspend or reduce flights, causing a sharp drop this month.
“About 30 percent of the airlines bringing tourists to the Maldives operate from the Middle East. With the current situation, capacity has fallen by around 31 percent,” he said.
Thoriq said the government is now concentrating its efforts on India, China and Russia, three markets with strong growth potential and fewer route disruptions. “We have worked on increasing flights and frequency. Starting early next month, we will be putting significant marketing efforts into these markets,” he said.
Talks are also underway with governments of major source markets to boost arrivals. Thoriq said he has discussed expanding Turkish Airlines’ operations, describing it as one of the most efficient carriers serving the Maldives.
The minister acknowledged that many resorts have seen cancellations for this month and next, though bookings beyond that period remain largely stable. Several resorts have offered concessions, including free rebooking and extended stays at reduced rates.
A key priority in the early days of the crisis was assisting tourists stranded due to flight cancellations. Thoriq said 1,888 travellers have received support so far. “At one point, around 100 tourists were sleeping at the airport for three or four days. It later rose to 150. Now it is down to about 12 a night,” he said. Food, accommodation and logistical support were arranged in coordination with resorts and agencies.
A hotline has been set up to assist affected travellers, and the ministry continues to coordinate with airlines to restore routes and add new ones. Cargo flights are also being reviewed to ensure supply chains remain stable.
Thoriq said the Maldives has consistently managed such disruptions with calm and coordination. He urged industry partners to work together as the government implements measures to keep the sector resilient.
