The escalating conflict in the Middle East caused the cancellation of 19 flights to Maldives today, affecting 3,530 passengers.
MACL shared that as the tensions flared up yesterday leading to closure of airspace across the Middle East, nine flights were cancelled, affecting 1,716 passengers.
Flights scheduled to land at Velana International Airport (VIA) today includes Emirates, FlyDubai, Gulf Air, Air Arabia, Etihad and Qatar Airways, all coming through Middle Eastern cities. Some airlines had both arrivals and departures scheduled. All have since been cancelled.
MACL said that the company is working to address the difficulties faced by affected passengers.
This includes the establishment of a 'Disruption Management Centre' at VIA. MACL has also facilitated the use of the old domestic terminal for stranded passengers opting to wait at the airport.
MACL said that it had provided essential aid to 130 passengers in collaboration with relevant authorities as of last night.
Designated counters have been set up at the domestic terminal for the cancelled flights, MACL said. Officials from various airlines are actively making arrangements to assist stranded travellers, the company confirmed.
"MACL is working to address the difficulties faced by passengers under the current circumstances, together with the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, Visit Maldives, airlines and tour operators," MACL stated.
MACL said that despite the current circumstances, operations at VIA are continuing without any changes.
Tourism Minister Thoriq Ibrahim said earlier today that with the airspace across much of the Middle East closed off due to escalating tensions in the region, 35 percent of booked tourists may not arrive in the Maldives.
