Private Jet Traffic to Maldives More Than Doubles Amid a Broader Shift Among Premium Travellers

Private jet traffic to the Maldives has surged sharply with 128 aircraft landing between 28 February and 14 March, marking a 166 percent increase compared to the 70 arrivals recorded during the same period last year. The figures point to a significant shift in how high‑end travellers are reaching the island nation, with many opting for direct private aviation amid widespread cancellations and delays affecting major transit hubs across the Middle East.

Last year, the Maldives averaged five private jet arrivals per day during this period, with a peak of nine aircraft on the busiest day. This year, the average has climbed to more than twelve daily arrivals, culminating in a record eighteen jets landing on 3 March alone. The trend underscores the Maldives’ ability to absorb premium travel demand even during periods of global aviation disruption.

Velana International Airport continues to serve as the country’s primary gateway for international travel. However, Maafaru International Airport has rapidly developed into a specialised hub for private aviation. During the recent peak tourism season, the airport saw more than 25 private jets parked simultaneously, the highest volume it has ever handled.

Airport officials attribute this capability to recent expansion works, which have increased the airport’s capacity to approximately 800 aircraft movements annually. In previous years, limited apron space forced the airport to turn away 50 to 80 aircraft during peak periods.

In 2025, Maafaru recorded 804 private jet movements, a 38 percent increase from 579 movements the previous year. December alone saw 102 movements, averaging more than three aircraft per day. Bookings during the December–January peak pushed total movements for those two months to over 200.

The Maldives continues to attract strong demand from the ultra‑luxury segment. Over the recent New Year holiday period, at least eight superyachts anchored in Maldivian waters while dozens of private jets transported high‑net‑worth travellers to resorts across the archipelago.