Maldives Sees Surge in International Flights and Tourist Arrivals in 2024
NewsAhmed Shurau
The Maldives has recorded a remarkable increase in international flights arriving in the country during the first ten months of 2024, according to data released by the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) in its monthly statistics for November.
By October 2024, the Maldives saw 13,671 international flights, marking an increase of 653 flights compared to the same period in 2023, which had 13,018 arrivals. This rise includes both scheduled flights and general aviation, which covers charter and private jet services. Specifically, scheduled flights increased from 11,975 in 2023 to 12,565 in 2024, while general aviation flights rose from 1,043 to 1,106 during the same period.
This surge in air traffic comes alongside a significant boost in tourism. As of December 17, 2024, the Maldives had welcomed 1.9 million tourists, surpassing the 1.8 million recorded during the same period last year. With the government’s target of attracting 2 million tourists by the end of the year, only an additional 58,805 arrivals are needed to reach this milestone.
The increase in flights and tourist arrivals highlights the growing popularity of the Maldives as a prime travel destination, supported by the country’s strategic focus on boosting connectivity and offering exceptional experiences for visitors.