Thailand’s overhaul of its visa‑exemption system is reshaping regional travel, and the Maldives is among the countries most affected. Under the new “one country, one privilege” model, most nationalities will now receive 30 days of visa‑free entry but the Maldives has been placed in a 15 day exemption category, the shortest available. The change follows the cancellation of Thailand’s previous 60‑day visa‑free scheme, which had boosted long stay tourism and attracted traveller

History is made today as Maldivian operates the first direct commercial flight between Australia and the Maldives, establishing a new long‑haul connection between the two countries and marking a significant milestone for the national carrier. The inaugural service departed Melbourne Tullamarine early this morning aboard Maldivian’s Airbus A330, following the aircraft’s arrival the previous day on a special positioning flight. The operation introduces the first nonstop link be

Maldivian’s Airbus A330 has landed in Melbourne today, marking a major milestone as the airline prepares to launch the first direct commercial flights between Australia and the Maldives. The wide‑body aircraft arrived at Melbourne Tullamarine Airport on a special positioning flight, ahead of the inaugural service that will formally open nonstop connectivity between the two countries for the first time in aviation history. The new route is being introduced in partnership with

Gan International Airport has announced that, as part of the ongoing Gan Airport Development Project, the existing sections of the passenger terminal will be handed over to the contractor at 23:59 on 15th May 2026 to begin major redevelopment works. To ensure construction can proceed while airport operations continue, temporary adjustments will be made to how the terminal is used. During this period, passenger processing will be shifted to the terminal’s side wings. The East

Bahrain has taken a decisive step toward strengthening its position as a global aviation hub with the announcement of a strategic partnership between Gulf Air and Beond, the world’s first all‑premium leisure airline. The agreement brings together Gulf Air’s extensive international network and decades‑long reputation with Beond’s boutique, all‑flatbed, private‑jet‑style experience, creating a combined offering aimed at the world’s most discerning travellers. The partnership wa

The reclamation phase of the Sh. Milandhoo Airport project has been completed. According to project data, land reclamation began on 3 April 2026 and concluded on 4 May 2026, achieving full completion within a 31‑day operational window. A total of 21 hectares of new land was reclaimed for the airport platform, matching the planned scope and bringing the overall project footprint including the 4.9‑hectare tree‑clearing zone on the existing island to 25.90 hectares. The works re

Maldivian has issued a statement denying widespread social media rumours claiming the national carrier is preparing to introduce alcohol sales on board its flights. The airline described the posts as “entirely false” and urged the public to avoid sharing unverified information that could mislead passengers and damage the reputation of the national airline. Alcohol service on board is common across most international airlines, particularly full‑service carriers. Many airlines

Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has confirmed the resignation of Deputy Managing Director Lamman, who has stepped down to take up a position at another company. The leadership change coincides with heightened scrutiny over MACL’s rapidly expanding responsibilities under President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration. The company has been tasked with delivering a wide range of government‑assigned projects that extend far beyond airport operations. These include: Reclam

Edelweiss Air is expanding its Maldives operations for the upcoming European summer season, with two additional weekly flights scheduled between 4 July and 13 September 2026. The seasonal increase enhances direct connectivity between Zurich and Malé, supporting strong leisure‑travel demand during one of the busiest travel periods of the year. The added frequencies will supplement Edelweiss Air’s existing long‑haul leisure schedule, offering travellers more flexibility and imp

Premium leisure carrier Beond is scheduled to operate a special flight from Velana International Airport (MLE) to Kobe, Japan today. The service marks a notable addition to the airline’s growing network of point-to-point leisure destinations, linking the Maldives with Japan’s scenic Kansai region. Unlike standard commercial rotations, the flight is understood to be a special operation, catering to travel demand between the two tourism hubs. Beond, which brands itself as the w

Maldivian, the national airline of the Maldives, and SriLankan Airlines, the flag carrier of Sri Lanka and a member of the oneworld alliance, have entered into a strategic interline partnership designed to enhance travel links across the Indian Ocean region and beyond. The agreement enables passengers to travel on a single electronic ticket across both carriers’ networks, improving convenience, baggage handling, and transfer efficiency. Under the partnership, SriLankan Airlin

Saudi Arabian low‑cost carrier Flynas is set to begin flights to the Maldives next month, strengthening connectivity between Riyadh and Malé as regional airline operations continue to stabilise following recent Middle East disruptions. According to Maldives Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Mohamed Ameen, the government has been working to attract additional airlines after several carriers temporarily suspended services due to the conflict in the region. At the height of th

A first-ever direct long-haul flight from Addu City (GAN) to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia is set to operate, following a request from travel agency The Traveller. The service has been confirmed by Maldivian, the national airline, with bookings expected to open soon. The flight will be operating on Maldivian's Airbus A330 widebody aircraft, capable of carrying 264 passengers. This marks the first time a non-stop connection has been established between Addu City and Jeddah, allowing tr

In a major cabinet reshuffle announced today, President Mohamed Muizzu has appointed Mohamed Ameen as the new Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, introducing a significant change to how the country manages its aviation sector. The move follows a series of cabinet changes earlier in the day, with several ministers stepping down as part of what the government describes as an effort to improve performance and streamline governance. In a notable restructuring, civil aviation

The Government of the Maldives has welcomed the United Kingdom’s decision to pause the planned handover of the Chagos Archipelago (Foalhavahi) to Mauritius. In its statement, the Maldives underscored its legitimate interest in the future status and governance of the archipelago and described the pause as an opportunity to renew negotiations with the United Kingdom. The Government reiterated the need for a fair and equitable outcome that respects the rights of the Maldives, su

Maldivian has increased ticket prices for foreign passengers as the national airline adjusts to a sharp rise in jet fuel costs triggered by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The price hike follows a 42% increase in the cost of jet fuel sold at Velana International Airport, after Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) raised rates from USD 1.19 to USD 1.69 per litre, marking one of the steepest jumps in recent years. Maldivian has increased fares across multiple domes

Private jet arrivals to the Maldives saw a sharp rise this March, with movements increasing from the usual monthly average of around 80 to nearly 190, according to Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen. The surge comes amid continued instability and airspace disruptions in the Middle East, a region that serves as a major transit hub for long‑haul travellers heading to the Maldives. Industry observers say the conflict‑related closures and commercial flight cancellations have prompt

Flydubai is set to begin a series of cargo flights from Dubai to Malé this Thursday, marking the first time the airline will operate cargo‑in‑cabin services to Velana International Airport. The move comes as supply chains across the Middle East face mounting pressure due to the ongoing regional conflict, prompting airlines and logistics operators to seek alternative methods to maintain cargo flow. Mohamed Firaq, Managing Director of Ace Aviation Services Maldives, Flydubai’s

Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen revealed that 626 flights to the Maldives have been cancelled since the conflict, dealing a significant blow to the Indian Maldives tourism dependent economy. Speaking at a press conference held this afternoon at the President's Office, Minister Ameen briefed the President on the challenges the Middle East war has posed to the Maldives and the measures being taken to mitigate the disruption. Despite the widespread cancell

Turkish Airlines will strengthen its Maldives network for the 2026 summer season with an additional weekly frequency between Istanbul and Malé, enhancing one of the key long‑haul links connecting the Maldives to Europe and beyond. The expanded schedule will run from 13 May to 20 October 2026 on the Istanbul–Malé sector (TK 740), with the return flight (TK 741) operating from 14 May to 21 October 2026. The new rotation introduces a Wednesday departure from Istanbul and a Thurs