Nearly 500 Flights to Maldives Cancelled Following US–Israel Conflict with Iran

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 suspending services through Middle Eastern airspace amid escalating regional tensions involving Iran.

Despite the disruptions, the minister noted that overall tourist arrivals for the year remain slightly above last year's levels. By March 28, a total of 627,496 tourists had visited the Maldives, compared to 610,805 during the same period in 2025, a modest increase of around 16,700 arrivals.

However, the daily average for March has taken a clear downturn. According to data presented, 145,728 tourists arrived this month, averaging 5,200 per day. That figure represents a drop of 1,151 daily arrivals compared to March last year.

The Maldives relies heavily on long-haul tourism, with most visitors transiting through major hubs such as Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi, all of which have been affected by rerouted flights and airspace restrictions. Airlines including Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad, and several European carriers have either reduced frequencies or temporarily suspended routes due to safety concerns and longer alternative flight paths.

In response, the Maldivian government is actively working to mitigate the impact. Thoriq said his ministry is strengthening marketing outreach in key source markets, including China, India, Russia, Germany, and the United Kingdom, while also exploring alternative air routes that bypass the affected Middle Eastern airspace.

The US–Israel conflict with Iran, which escalated sharply in late February, has seen repeated missile exchanges and retaliatory strikes, prompting several Middle Eastern nations to close their airspace or impose strict flight restrictions. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has warned that the disruptions could continue for weeks or months, depending on the trajectory of the conflict.

Tourism is the backbone of the Maldivian economy, contributing nearly one-third of GDP and employing the largest share of the workforce. Any prolonged dip in arrivals could have significant economic ripple effects.