Fourth Day of Disruptions: Fifteen Flights to Velana Airport Cancelled as Middle East Conflict Continues

Flight disruptions at Velana International Airport are set to continue into a fourth consecutive day, with 15 flights scheduled for tomorrow now cancelled as airspace closures linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict persist. The cancellations once again affect major Middle Eastern carriers, including Emirates, flydubai, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways and Air Arabia, which together operate the bulk of long‑haul connections to the Maldives.

The cancellations follow several days of severe disruption, with nine flights cancelled on Saturday and nineteen on Sunday. Airspace restrictions across multiple Gulf states have forced airlines to suspend or reroute services, leaving thousands of passengers stranded or facing significant delays.

The Maldives welcomed an average of 8,800 tourists per day in February, with 30–35% arriving via Middle Eastern flights, according to the Tourism Minister. With Gulf connectivity disrupted for a fourth day, resorts, guesthouses and tour operators are facing mounting operational challenges, and many travellers remain stranded at the airport or in resorts awaiting rebooking.

Authorities have been providing rest areas, essentials and logistical support for affected passengers as part of a coordinated response.