News Desk
The government has provided assistance to 1,680 tourists stranded in the Middle East as flight disruptions continue amid the ongoing conflict.
The figures were shared at a press conference held by the Special Ministerial Committee on the Middle East crisis, chaired by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. Speaking at the briefing, Tourism Minister Ibrahim Thoriq said the government prioritised tourist welfare from the very beginning of the conflict.
A special help desk has been established at Velana International Airport to provide information and support to affected travellers. Thoriq noted that the Maldives Airports Company Ltd (MACL) has played a major role in facilitating these services.
To accommodate tourists who were unable to depart, the former domestic terminal has been converted into a temporary rest area. “The canteen service there can cater to around 150 people at a time,” Thoriq said. While many stranded travellers have already departed, around 12 tourists continue to stay at the facility each night.
Thoriq highlighted the significant impact on the Maldives’ tourism market, noting that 30 percent of tourists normally arrive via Middle Eastern routes. With airlines suspending or reducing flights, the ministry is now working to bring in carriers from other regions.
“We are focusing on increasing flights from Russia, China and India,” he said, adding that the government is coordinating marketing efforts with Maldivian embassies abroad to stabilise arrivals.
Travellers who had booked trips during this period are being allowed to rebook without additional charges, easing the burden on those affected by cancellations.
Thoriq urged tourism operators to follow the ministry’s guidelines when communicating with tourists, emphasising the importance of accurate information and coordinated support.
