The Maldives is set to welcome additional international air connectivity during the final quarter of 2026, with seven airlines expected to begin or resume services to the country ahead of the peak tourism season.

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Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen announced the expected arrivals of the new carriers during a press conference at the President’s Office on 10 September. The airlines include carriers from Russia, Bulgaria, Vietnam and Armenia, as well as Ethiopian Airlines, French Bee and Kuwait Airways. Two of the seven airlines have previously operated seasonal services to the Maldives.

The additional services are expected to strengthen the country’s air connectivity during the final months of the year, traditionally one of the most important periods for Maldivian tourism. The government has been working alongside tourism industry stakeholders to increase visitor numbers and expand access to the destination as the country approaches the high season.

The announcement comes after a challenging period for the tourism sector earlier this year. Tourist arrivals recorded a 24 percent year-on-year decline during March, April and May, with disruptions to air travel and regional uncertainty affecting travel through key Middle Eastern aviation hubs.

However, the gap in arrivals has since narrowed. According to figures shared by the government, approximately 1.49 million tourists had visited the Maldives by the time of the announcement, compared with around 1.55 million during the same period in 2025. The Maldives welcomed approximately 2.25 million visitors throughout 2025.

Ameen said the improving figures, together with the additional airline capacity expected in the final quarter, point to a more positive outlook for the remainder of the year. The government expects tourist arrivals for 2026 to remain at or above last year's level.

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The planned expansion will also diversify the markets providing air access to the Maldives. The incoming carriers will strengthen links with European, Asian, African and Middle Eastern markets, while providing additional options for travellers seeking to visit the country during the winter travel period.

The government has identified the expansion of air connectivity as an important measure in supporting tourism demand and addressing the effects of external disruptions on visitor arrivals. With the peak season approaching and additional international carriers preparing to enter the market, the Maldives is expecting stronger travel activity during the final quarter of the year.