Vietnamese budget carrier Vietjet Air is set to launch flights from Vietnam to the Maldives on December 5, 2026, operating three weekly round-trip services on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays using Airbus A320 aircraft. The new route will connect Ho Chi Minh City with Malé via Colombo, Sri Lanka, extending the airline's existing Ho Chi Minh City–Colombo service. According to flight schedules released by the airline, outbound flights will depart Tan Son Nhat International Ai

Customs officials at Gan International Airport intercepted a significant drug smuggling attempt last Tuesday, seizing 3,345 grams of cannabis concealed in the luggage of two arriving passengers. According to the Maldives Customs Service, the illicit substances were discovered during a search of baggage belonging to two Indian nationals. Officers grew suspicious that the passengers were concealing narcotics within their belongings, prompting a thorough inspection. During the s

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) would start direct flights to the Maldives once new aircraft are added to its fleet, the airline's chief executive said on Wednesday as the two countries look to boost tourism, trade and people-to-people links. PIA CEO Air Vice Marshal Muhammad Amir Hayat made the remarks during a meeting with a high-level Maldivian delegation led by Speaker of the National Assembly Abdul Raheem Abdulla at the airline's head office, according to a PIA sta

S7 Airlines, one of Russia's largest domestic carriers, has announced the launch of direct flights from Novosibirsk to Malé, the capital of the Maldives, beginning October 30. The new route marks the first regular service connecting Novosibirsk to the Maldives outside the Moscow aviation hub. The service will operate twice weekly on Mondays and Fridays using Airbus A320 family aircraft. The outbound flight departs Tolmachevo International Airport (OVB) in Novosibirsk at 04:25

Qatar Airways is set to expand its operations to the Maldives, increasing flights between Doha and Malé to 21 weekly services starting October 25, 2026, according to the airline's winter schedule announcement. The move represents a 75 percent increase in frequency on the route, elevating the service from 12 weekly flights to three daily connections. All services will operate through Hamad International Airport, the airline's five-star hub in Doha . The expanded schedule is ex

Seven airlines are expected to commence seasonal operations to the Maldives during the final quarter of 2026, according to a briefing delivered by Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Hon. Mohamed Ameen on 10 September 2026. The minister confirmed that carriers from Russia, Bulgaria, Vietnam, and Armenia are among those planning new seasonal flights. In addition, Ethiopian Airlines, French Bee, and Kuwait Airways are scheduled to operate services during the same period. Two

Manta Air is reportedly preparing to further reduce its ATR 72 domestic operations as the airline increasingly shifts its focus towards the expansion of its seaplane business. The airline is understood to be evaluating the future utilisation of its remaining aircraft as it adjusts its fleet and operations to changing market conditions. The reported shift would mark a significant change in Manta Air’s operating strategy. The airline entered the Maldivian aviation market in 201

The Maldives has emerged as an unexpected transit point in an alleged network used to move Western-restricted goods to Russia, according to a new investigation by The Wall Street Journal, raising fresh questions over sanctions enforcement and the use of Maldivian aviation infrastructure. The investigation, published this week, says hundreds of millions of dollars worth of restricted and dual-use goods have passed through the Maldives before being transported onward to Russia.

A Sri Lankan national has been arrested at Velana International Airport (VIA) while allegedly attempting to leave the Maldives after stealing a mobile phone and MVR 25,000 from a shop in Malé, according to details outlined in a Criminal Court remand order. The suspect, identified in court documents as Chandrasekaran Anthony, was detained by authorities at VIA shortly before boarding his outbound flight. Police submitted multiple pieces of evidence to the court, including the

El Niño is strengthening across the Pacific Ocean, with sea-surface temperature anomalies in the eastern equatorial Pacific now exceeding +2.0°C. The Niño 3.4 index has also continued to rise, reaching +1.8°C in mid-August, with other Niño regions recording significant warming. The ocean and atmosphere are both now showing clear El Niño characteristics. According to the Climate Prediction Center (CPC), the event is expected to strengthen further towards the end of 2026, raisi

The Governments of Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives and Nepal have signed a Memorandum of Intent establishing a new framework for cooperation in the exchange of pre‑arrival customs information, marking a notable advancement in regional trade facilitation efforts. The agreement was concluded on 19 August 2026 in Malé during the 14th South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) Customs Group meeting. The signing was witnessed by Ihusaan, Maldives Minister for Homeland Securi

Maldivian has officially rolled out Journey+, a comprehensive suite of optional travel services designed to give passengers greater flexibility, comfort and convenience throughout their journey. The programme covers priority airport processing, additional baggage options, lounge access, cabin upgrades and pre‑ordered snacks. Journey+ Premier Maldivian’s priority airport service, Journey+ Premier, allows passengers to move through the airport more efficiently. Domestic airport

Maldives Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation H.E. Mohamed Ameen held discussions with State Secretary and Deputy Minister of Transport of the Russian Federation, Mr. Dmitry Zverev, in Moscow, with expanded air connectivity between the two countries forming a key part of the discussions. According to the Minister, both sides agreed on the need to facilitate the operation of additional carriers to the Maldives, a development that could further strengthen the country’s connec

A United States Navy Boeing P‑8A Poseidon has carried out low‑level maritime search operations over the zone where three Maldivians were lost after the capsizing of the supply vessel Friend 4. The Poseidon’s mission yesterday covered 6,300 square nautical miles, focusing on areas identified by Maldivian authorities. Its deployment follows a formal request for international assistance as the search enters its 11th day. The individuals still missing are Captain Mohamed Hamdhoon

Raya Airways has launched twice‑weekly scheduled freighter services to Velana International Airport (MLE), marking a significant expansion of the airport’s regional cargo connectivity. The inaugural flight operated on 14 August 2026, establishing a direct link between Penang (PEN) and Malé. The service is chartered by Teleport, a major logistics provider in Southeast Asia, with Raya Airways operating Boeing 767‑200 freighters on the route. Each aircraft movement offers an ave

The Aviation Institute of Maldives (AIM) has been officially inaugurated, marking a major step in Maldives Airports Company Limited’s (MACL) long‑term strategy to build a stronger, more skilled aviation workforce. Speaking at the ceremony on 12 August 2026, held at Hulhule Island Hotel, CEO & Managing Director Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed said AIM will play a central role in developing qualified professionals across key areas of airport operations. He emphasised that MACL’s future

Maldivian has signed an Aircraft Purchase Agreement with De Havilland Canada for the acquisition of two new Twin Otter Classic 300-G aircraft, marking another significant step in the airline’s ongoing fleet modernisation program. The agreement will see Maldivian add two new Twin Otter aircraft to its fleet, strengthening its capability to operate reliable domestic services across the Maldives. The introduction of new-generation Twin Otters is expected to support fleet reliabi

The aerial search for three men missing after the capsizing of the supply vessel Friend 4 has logged more than 6,112 square nautical miles in cumulative coverage, according to updated figures from the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF). The vessel was travelling from Laamu Atoll towards Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll carrying rocks and aggregate when it began taking on water after being hit by a large wave late Monday night. The vessel later sank about 4.1 nautical miles from Gaafu D

Maldives Customs has arrested a passenger attempting to smuggle narcotics through Velana International Airport. Officials confirmed the suspect had swallowed 66 bullets containing 1,180 grams of cocaine, which were detected during routine screening. Customs officials stated that the seized narcotics carry an estimated street value of MVR 2.9 million. The interception marks a significant case for airport authorities, who continue to face increasingly sophisticated smuggling me

The Maldives and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia have signed a bilateral Air Services Agreement, establishing the regulatory framework for future air transport operations between the two countries. The agreement authorises Ethiopian Airlines to operate services to the Maldives and opens the possibility for Maldivian, the national carrier, to introduce direct flights to Ethiopia at a later stage. Officials say the arrangement supports ongoing efforts to expand the