Three Airlines Add Flights to Maldives as Travellers Seek Alternative Routes

Three international airlines are expanding their flight schedules to the Maldives, offering travellers more direct routes amid ongoing airspace disruptions in the Middle East. Swiss carrier Edelweiss will increase its Zurich to Malé service from four to five weekly flights during April and May. Air India has finalized 78 additional flights to nine destinations, including the Maldives, using A320neo aircraft to add 17,600 new seats. The airline confirmed these new routes will avoid conflict-affected airspace. Russian airline Aeroflot has also increased flights to several destinations, including Malé, citing higher tourist demand for reliable travel options. Alongside scheduled commercial flights, private jet arrivals have surged. Data from the Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) shows 128 private jets landed between February 28 and March 14—a 166 percent increase from the 70 jets recorded in the same period last year. MACL stated this trend underscores the Maldives' appeal as a preferred destination for affluent travellers. Maafaru International Airport in Noonu Atoll has emerged as a major hub for private aviation alongside Velana International Airport (VIA). During the recent peak season, 25 jets were parked on its apron simultaneously. Following a major development project, Maafaru Airport now has the capacity to support up to 800 flight movements annually. Despite global transit challenges, the growth in both commercial and private aviation reinforces the Maldives' resilience and status as a top-tier, easily accessible destination for all travellers.