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

Maldivian has launched its first-ever direct Addu–Jeddah service, a historic operation that positions Gan International Airport as a new southern gateway for Umrah travel. The widebody Airbus A330 departed Gan at 04:24 am, carrying 259 pilgrims, including 110 travellers from Addu City who were able to begin their pilgrimage without transiting through Malé. The charter was organised in partnership with The Traveler and Addu-based group Dhathuruveriya, forming part of the newly

A 5.4 magnitude earthquake struck the Chagos region on Wednesday evening, but authorities have confirmed there is no threat to the Maldives. The Maldives Meteorological Service (MET Office) reported that the earthquake occurred at 18:01 local time on July 8, 2026. The epicenter was located approximately 933 kilometers from Addu City, the southernmost atoll of the Maldives. Following the seismic event, the MET Office issued an official advisory stating that there is no danger

Island Aviation Services Limited (IASL), operator of the national airline Maldivian, has signed an agreement with the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) for the development and sale of staff housing units in Hulhumalé. The agreement follows a land purchase transaction finalised in October 2025, in which IASL acquired a 12,481 square foot plot in Hulhumalé Phase I from HDC for MVR 49.4 million. The Civil Court validated the transaction on 29 October 2025, registering IASL a

The Maldives Meteorological Service has issued a statement urging the public to disregard social media posts and messages that claim to predict upcoming earthquakes, labelling such claims as false and unscientific. The service confirmed that the current claims circulating online are entirely false and that there is no scientific method capable of accurately predicting when or where an earthquake will occur. While seismic monitoring stations continue to track real-time earthqu

The Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has issued a stern warning that strict action will be taken against employees who misuse airport security passes issued for work at Velana International Airport (VIA). The warning was communicated through a circular sent to all MACL staff and relevant authorities. According to the circular, airport security passes are issued strictly for official duty purposes and for accessing designated restricted or controlled areas at the airpo

Manta Air pilots and engineers have called off the strike scheduled for Saturday, 4th July, following a breakthrough in negotiations with management. Staff representatives confirmed that an agreement has been reached that addresses the core grievances that prompted the industrial action, bringing an end to the dispute just days before the planned walkout was set to disrupt flight operations. Under the terms of the deal, the airline has agreed to revert salaries to pre-reducti

Nearly a year after its arrival in the Maldives, the ICON A5 amphibious aircraft operated by Hawks Pvt Ltd under the trade name Hawks Air has taken to the skies for the first time, marking a significant milestone for the company's aviation ambitions. Photo: Capt.Sim_Jaabir (instagram) The aircraft was first brought to the Maldives by Hawks Pvt Ltd in August 2025. Now, after months of preparation and regulatory compliance work, the state-of-the-art amphibious light sport aircr

Emirates has restarted flights between the Maldives and Colombo, following a four month halt caused by operational disruptions from the Iran-U.S.-Israel conflict. The service re-establishes a vital connection for tourism and trade between the two island nations. The daily service operates as an extension of Emirates' Dubai-Male flight EK652, continuing to Colombo, with the return flight EK653 traveling from Colombo to Dubai via Male. Both flights are operated using a wide-bod

Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has formalised partnership agreements with three national agencies to enhance emergency preparedness and response coordination at Velana International Airport. The Memoranda of Understanding were signed with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Maldives Meteorological Service (MMS), and Maldives Red Crescent (MRC) at a ceremony held at Hulhule Island Hotel. MACL Managing Director Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed said the agreement

French bee is set to broaden its long‑haul footprint with the introduction of two new Indian Ocean routes, adding nonstop service to Malé in the Maldives and Colombo in Sri Lanka. Both destinations will be served exclusively from Paris‑Orly, with flights beginning 19 December 2026. The airline has opened sales effective today, marking another step in its strategy to diversify its network and strengthen its presence in high‑demand leisure markets. French bee CEO Marc‑Antoine B