Over 5,200 Passengers Affected as MACL Responds to Airspace Closures

Maldives Airports Company Limited has activated an emergency coordination mechanism at Velana International Airport following regional airspace closures in parts of the Middle East that have resulted in the cancellation of 28 flight movements over two days, affecting more than 5,200 passengers.

In a statement issued on 1 March 2026, Maldives Airports Company Limited confirmed that nine flight movements were cancelled on 28 February, impacting approximately 1,716 passengers. A further 19 flight movements were cancelled on 1 March, affecting around 3,530 passengers. The disruptions were attributed to external airspace restrictions beyond the control of Maldivian authorities.

To manage the situation, a Disruption Management Center was activated at Velana International Airport on 28 February. Coordinated service operations are now fully underway, with the domestic terminal being utilised to support passenger handling and assistance efforts.

As of last evening, essential assistance had been provided to 130 passengers through the support of relevant stakeholders. Dedicated service counters have been established for affected airlines, with airline representatives stationed on site to assist travellers with rebooking, guidance and onward arrangements.

MACL stated that additional personnel have been mobilised across the airport to strengthen real time coordination and improve passenger support during the disruption. The company is working closely with the Ministry of Tourism, Visit Maldives, airline partners and tour operators to ensure a coordinated response and timely solutions for affected travellers.

General airport operations continue as scheduled outside of the impacted routes.

The temporary disruption highlights the Maldives’ exposure to geopolitical developments affecting key aviation corridors linking the country to major source markets. As air connectivity remains central to the tourism driven economy, coordinated crisis management between airport authorities, airlines and tourism stakeholders is critical to maintaining operational resilience and protecting traveller confidence during periods of external volatility.