The Maldives Customs Service has seized more than 2.1 kilograms of illegal substances smuggled into the country through Velana International Airport (VIA). The interception was made on April 1, during routine inspections of inbound passengers and cargo. According to Customs, officers discovered 2,174 grams of the substance concealed within an arriving consignment. Preliminary testing identified it as a narcotic preparation, and the case has since been handed over to the relev

Addu City, Maldives – Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has officially commenced preparations to introduce an international-standard Duty-Free operation at the new terminal of Gan International Airport in Addu City, marking a major step in transforming the southern region’s gateway into a competitive player in global air travel. The new retail venture is designed to significantly enhance passenger experience while expanding premium shopping services beyond the Greater

Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has presented its annual Merit Award to four top performing students from the Centre for Higher Secondary Education (CHSE), recognising academic excellence and supporting the development of future leaders. The MACL Merit Award, introduced under the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, is presented each year to the highest achieving Grade 11 students. This year’s ceremony was held during a special assembly at CHSE,

Island Aviation Services Ltd. (IASL) has officially assumed management of Dharavandhoo Airport, marking a significant shift in domestic aviation operations and paving the way for a major terminal expansion designed to enhance passenger experience and support regional tourism growth. The handover agreement was signed by Director General of Transport and Civil Aviation Ahmed Shameem and Managing Director General of Dharavandhoo Airport Ahmed Shameem. Managing Director of Island

The Maldives Meteorological Service (MMS), in collaboration with the Climate Change Department of the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, hosted a High-Level Dialogue and Stakeholder Engagement Workshop on 30th March 2026 at Meerumaa Events Hall in Male’. The event addressed two initiatives: the Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF)-funded UNEP Investment Phase in the Republic of Maldives, and the inception phase of the Green Climate Fund (GCF)-funded TRACT Proje

After weeks of disruption caused by regional instability in the Middle East, Qatar Airways has officially confirmed that it will resume flights between Doha and the Maldives. The announcement brings relief to travelers and tourism operators alike, who have felt the impact of suspended air corridors since tensions escalated in the region. The airline’s flagship route, connecting Hamad International Airport (DOH) with Velana International Airport (MLE) in Malé, is scheduled to

For a decade, the red and gold livery of Saudia has been a familiar and welcome sight gliding into Maldivian airspace. This week, the flag carrier of Saudi Arabia marked a significant milestone, celebrating 10 years of uninterrupted operations to the Indian Ocean archipelago with a vibrant ceremony at Velana International Airport (VIA). To commemorate this historic anniversary, MACL extended a warm welcome to passengers arriving on Saudia’s SV838 flight. Departing travelers a

Nearly 500 flights to the Maldives have been cancelled over the past month as the ongoing US–Israel conflict with Iran continues to trigger widespread airspace closures across the Middle East. Speaking at a press conference at the President's Office, Minister Thoriq revealed that 496 flights were cancelled between February 28 and March 28, severely disrupting connectivity to the Indian Ocean nation. The cancellations, he said, are largely due to major airlines rerouting or su

Maldivian has hosted a special evening to celebrate 18 years of operations in India, recognising the staff, partners, and long‑standing collaborators who have supported the airline’s growth in one of its most important international markets. The event brought together team members, industry partners, and invited guests to acknowledge the airline’s journey and the strong connections built over nearly two decades of continuous operations. The airline also acknowledged the suppo

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has inspected the ongoing land reclamation works at Giraavaru Falhu, a major national development project aimed at expanding land availability and easing housing pressures in the Greater Male’ region. The President was received at the site by Cabinet Ministers, senior officials from the President’s Office, and the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed, along with members

The Maldives is set to welcome a new European connection as Belavia, the national airline of Belarus, moves toward launching direct flights to the Maldives later this year. The airline has outlined plans for a limited trial series of six to eight flights starting in August, a step that could open a new long‑haul market for the destination. Belavia’s management has described the Maldives as a promising long‑haul destination, despite higher operational costs. The initial flight

The Maldives National Defence Force has expanded its aerial search to 2,544 square nautical miles as efforts continue to locate two Indian nationals missing after a launch belonging to Indian billionaire Gautam Hari Singhania capsized near Vaavu Atoll earlier this month. MNDF has deployed its Bayraktar TB2 drone operating from Maafaru and, enabling simultaneous coverage of distant sectors and repeated passes over priority areas. The TB2’s long‑endurance capability and high‑re

Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has introduced a revised traffic flow system at Velana International Airport, effective today, to improve accessibility and ease of movement for passengers using Terminal 2. Beginning at 10:00 AM on 25 March 2026, the area directly in front of Terminal 2 has been formally designated as a dedicated drop‑off and pick‑up zone. MACL says the change is part of ongoing efforts to enhance the passenger experience and streamline ground transpo

Premium leisure airline beOnd has announced a major expansion of its European operations, unveiling plans to launch direct services from the Maldives to Paris and London starting in December 2026. The airline also confirmed a significant increase in flight frequencies to its existing Swiss and German destinations. The announcement, made on March 23, 2026, marks a strategic move for the all-business-class carrier as it seeks to capture growing luxury travel demand between the

The Maldives National Defence Force has deployed a Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aerial vehicle to Vaavu Atoll as the search continues for two Indian nationals missing after a launch belonging to Indian billionaire Gautam Hari Singhania capsized near Felidhoo early Friday morning. According to reports, the speedboat identified as a Cigarette high‑speed launch part of Singhania’s yacht TT Ashena overturned about two nautical miles southwest of Keyodhoo. Seven people were onboard at t

A Maldivian man who was arrested for allegedly engaging in unruly behaviour onboard a Batik Air flight has been released from police custody on health grounds, authorities confirmed on Saturday. A police spokesperson said the passenger was released on Friday morning due to health-related concerns. No details were provided regarding his condition, but police stated that the investigation into the incident remains ongoing. The man, who was travelling on a diplomatic passport, w

A Maldivian man travelling on a diplomatic passport was taken into custody after unruly behaviour onboard a Batik Air flight arriving in Male’ with multiple reports indicating that he was intoxicated and shouting at cabin crew and passengers seated near him during the flight. According to information shared with local media, the passenger’s behaviour escalated to the point where he was yelling inside the cabin and causing repeated disturbances throughout the journey. The situ

A 58‑year‑old Indian national has been arrested at Gan International Airport after authorities discovered two kilos of illegal drugs in his possession. Police confirmed the suspect as Saldin Wali Mohammed Rufin, who was taken into custody following an inspection by Maldives Customs Service at Gan International Airport. According to officials, Customs officers stopped the passenger upon arrival and conducted a search, during which the narcotics were found concealed in his belo

A Maldivian man who arrived in the Maldives on a Batik Air flight has been taken into custody following a violent behavior that occurred during the flight, authorities confirmed on Friday. Police have not released specific details about what took place onboard, but described the matter as a “very serious” case now under active investigation. According to initial information, the passenger’s behaviour caused significant inconvenience to the cabin crew and other travellers, dis

Sri Lanka’s decision to propose Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) as an alternative hub for major Gulf airlines highlights how countries in the region are moving quickly to adapt to shifting aviation realities. By positioning MRIA as a reliable southern routing option during a period of Middle Eastern airspace disruption, Sri Lanka is demonstrating the kind of strategic thinking that the Maldives, too, must consider as it works to strengthen and future‑proof its