The Maldives has recorded a sharp increase in international air traffic and tourist arrivals in the early months of the year, according to the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA). The central bank reports that scheduled international flights rose by 6.4 percent in the first four months of 2025, underscoring growing global demand for travel to the island nation. The Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) reported a substantial rise in profits, reaching USD 64.86 million, reflecting the broader impact of increased visitor numbers on the country's aviation sector.
With air travel rebounding, the Maldives welcomed 5,809 scheduled international flights between January and April, up from 5,378 recorded during the same period last year, according to the MMA. This rise in connectivity has been a key driver of the country's tourism boom, coinciding with a notable increase in arrivals. More than 800,000 tourists visited the country in the first four months of 2025, significantly exceeding the 700,000 recorded in the corresponding period last year.
Despite the surge in scheduled flights, the MMA report shows that non-commercial aviation saw a modest decline. A total of 555 general flights arrived in the country during this period, compared to 604 the previous year. Nevertheless, growth in tourism infrastructure continued, according to the central bank report, with operational bed capacity increasing to 61,919; a 0.8 percent expansion over last year's figures.
The steady rise in visitor numbers has directly influenced the financial performance of MACL, which manages operations at Velana International Airport (VIA), the country's main aviation hub. The company's latest audit report indicates a profit of USD 64.86 million in 2024, reflecting an 18 percent increase from the prior year. The additional earnings of approximately USD 12.46 million highlight the sustained recovery of the sector and its broader contribution to the national economy.