Daily tourist arrivals drop by 50% as Middle East conflict forces airport closures and flight cancellations

Daily tourist arrivals to the Maldives have fallen by around 50 percent due to the escalating conflict in the Middle East, according to the Tourism Ministry.

Several major airports in the region have been temporarily closed following Israel’s attack on Iran, leading to widespread flight cancellations. Many of the affected flights were scheduled to arrive in the Maldives.

Tourism Ministry data shows that 8,929 tourists arrived on Saturday, February 28, followed by 6,440 on Sunday and 4,107 on Monday, a sharp decline compared to recent weeks. On February 15, the Maldives recorded 11,136 arrivals in a single day, one of the highest figures in recent months.

The ministry noted that the Middle East accounts for around 35 percent of daily arrivals, meaning disruptions in the region have a direct and immediate impact on Maldives tourism and revenue.

Flight schedules began to shift significantly from last Sunday, with 14 flights cancelled that day alone.

Industry stakeholders have expressed concern over the economic implications. The CEO of Inner Maldives, one of the country’s largest travel companies, said the situation requires close cooperation between government agencies, tourism operators and the public to minimise the impact on the sector.

Tourism remains the backbone of the Maldivian economy, and prolonged disruptions could have far‑reaching consequences, industry leaders warn.