Tourists stranded at VIA after major airlines suspend flights over Iran conflict

The Velana International Airport (VIA) has become heavily congested after major airlines cancelled or delayed flights to Maldives due to escalating tensions in the Middle East following US–Israel strikes on Iran.

Several countries in the Gulf region temporarily closed their airspace as Iran launched retaliatory attacks targeting US military bases. As a result, airlines including Qatar Airways and Emirates have suspended flights to Maldives.

Qatar Airways announced on X that flights were halted for security reasons. Emirates also confirmed cancellations on routes between Dubai and Male'. Other regional carriers are taking similar precautionary measures.

Amid the disruptions, a flight from Male' to Dubai on Saturday was forced to return due to airspace closures. Hundreds of passengers are now stranded at VIA, with most tourists arriving in Maldives through transit hubs in Dubai and Doha.

Scenes from the newly opened international terminal show the area packed with travellers. Inner Maldives owner Mohamed Firag wrote on Facebook that more than 2,000 tourists are currently at the airport, urging authorities to provide additional support and arrangements.

MACL, which operates VIA, has not yet issued an official statement, and no emergency measures have been publicly announced.

With the situation in the Middle East deteriorating, industry observers expect the disruptions to have a negative impact on Maldives tourism in the coming days.