Maldives to Expand National Carrier Fleet to Secure Direct Global Flight Links

The Maldivian government is prioritizing the expansion of the national carrier, Maldivian, to establish direct flight connections from major global cities to the archipelago. Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen stated that strengthening the airline is a strategic necessity to safeguard the nation's tourism-dependent economy. In an exclusive interview with PSM News, Minister Ameen explained that the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical instability in the Middle East highlighted critical vulnerabilities in the country’s air connectivity. To mitigate these risks, the government aims to reduce reliance on transit hubs by increasing the national carrier's capacity and reach. Efforts to modernize the fleet are already underway, with plans to acquire Airbus aircraft for international routes and upgrade the aircraft used for domestic travel. While the Minister acknowledged some delays in procurement, he expressed confidence that new aircraft would join the fleet by the end of this year or early next year, with further expansion planned for 2025. Parallel to the fleet expansion, the government is accelerating critical aviation infrastructure projects to accommodate larger aircraft and higher passenger volumes. Minister Ameen confirmed that the runway and apron expansions at Maafaru International Airport are now complete, enabling the airport to handle the world's largest planes. Currently, approximately 20 percent of the terminal construction at Maafaru is finished. Additionally, development continues at Dharavandhoo Airport as part of a broader strategy to decentralize tourism and improve accessibility across the atolls. By combining a more robust national airline with upgraded regional airports, the government hopes to create a more resilient and diverse aviation network that can withstand global shocks while driving sustainable tourism growth.