Ethiopian Airlines is expected to commence operations to the Maldives in the coming weeks, as the government intensifies efforts to maintain air connectivity and ease travel disruptions caused by ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen announced that arrangements are underway for the airline to begin flights within the next two weeks. He made the remarks during a press conference held by the Special Cabinet Committee established in response to the regional situation.
The Minister noted that the current conflict has significantly impacted aviation, with 626 scheduled flights cancelled. In response, the government has prioritised securing alternative travel options for passengers seeking to enter the country.
As part of these efforts, both Ethiopian Airlines and Belavia are working to launch operations to the Maldives. Air service agreements with Ethiopia are expected to be finalised within the next one to two weeks, while Belavia is targeting the commencement of flights from 1 August.
In addition, the Minister revealed that plans are progressing to introduce direct flights to Australia, the result of coordinated efforts among multiple stakeholders.
Alongside the introduction of new carriers, steps are also being taken to increase the frequency of existing airlines. Qatar Airways and Emirates have resumed operations and are scaling up services. Meanwhile, airlines such as AirAsia, Air India, and Turkish Airlines have increased flight frequencies to reduce reliance on Middle Eastern routes.
Minister Ameen highlighted that these combined efforts have provided some relief, with total arrivals rising by 25 percent compared to the previous week.
However, he cautioned that rising global fuel prices have driven up jet fuel costs, resulting in an approximate 40 percent increase in airfares.
The Minister further noted that while some previously suspended flights have gradually resumed and more airlines are expected to restart operations, the government’s current priority remains minimising losses rather than aggressively expanding flight capacity
