Fifteen Flights to Velana International Airport Tomorrow Cancelled due to Middle East Airspace Closures

Fifteen inbound flights scheduled to arrive at Velana International Airport (VIA) tomorrow have been cancelled as the Middle East conflict continues to shut down key airspaces across the region. The cancellations affect major Gulf and regional carriers that serve as the Maldives’ primary transit gateways, disrupting connectivity at the height of the tourism season.

The cancellations span services from Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Colombo, Dubai, Doha and Sharjah, reflecting the widespread operational freeze across Gulf hubs. According to current schedules, the affected flights include:

• Etihad Airways - one flight from Abu Dhabi.

• Gulf Air - one flight from Bahrain and one from Colombo.

• flydubai - three flights from Dubai and one from Colombo.

• Emirates - four flights from Dubai.

• Qatar Airways - two flights from Doha.

• Air Arabia - two flights from Sharjah.

These cancellations mirror the broader regional shutdown, where multiple Middle Eastern FIRs remain closed due to security concerns linked to the escalating conflict.

Velana International Airport relies heavily on Gulf carriers for long‑haul connectivity, with Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Bahrain acting as the Maldives’ main transit points for travellers from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The loss of fifteen flights in a single day represents a significant reduction in expected arrivals, with immediate implications for resorts, guesthouses and tour operators.

Twelve flights scheduled to arrive today at Velana International Airport were also cancelled, creating immediate operational challenges and leaving approximately 1,400 passengers stranded in the Maldives.

With outbound flights also suspended, several aircraft remain parked at VIA, unable to depart due to the ongoing airspace restrictions. Passengers have faced significant difficulty securing alternative travel options, as the Gulf hubs they rely on remain shut and airlines cannot provide firm timelines for resuming operations.

Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) have stated that they are providing maximum support to affected travellers. Airport teams are assisting with accommodation arrangements, providing access to rest areas and essential services.

Across the region, airspace closures have triggered a cascade of delays and cancellations worldwide. Airlines in Europe, Asia and Australia have been forced to reroute flights around the Middle East, adding hours to flight times. With no confirmed timeline for the reopening of affected airspaces, further disruptions to Maldives‑bound flights remain likely.