The Maldives has recorded a sharp increase in private jet arrivals over the past two weeks, reflecting continued global interest in the country’s premium tourism offerings and its reputation as one of the world’s most exclusive island destinations.
Recent data from Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) shows a sharp rise in private aviation traffic. A total of 128 private jets landed in the Maldives between 28 February and 14 March this year, a 166 percent increase compared to the same period last year when 70 aircraft arrived.
Data from MACL also shows that the pace of arrivals has accelerated considerably this year. During the first two weeks of March last year, the Maldives received an average of about five private jet arrivals per day. During the same period this year, the daily average has increased to more than 12 private jet landings, demonstrating a notable rise in demand for private aviation services to the destination.
The statistics also reveal that the highest number of private jet arrivals in a single day during the period was recorded on 3 March, when 18 private aircraft landed in the Maldives. In comparison, the highest daily figure during the same period last year was nine private jet arrivals, further illustrating the strong growth in luxury travel traffic to the country.
More than 800 private jets arrived in 2025, a 38% increase from 2024
Velana International Airport remains the country’s main gateway for international travellers. The airport is located 3km away from the capital city of Maldives, Male. It is also known as the Male International Airport or Ibrahim Nasir International Airport.
Maafaru International Airport has emerged as a specialised hub for private aviation. During the recent peak tourism season, more than 25 private jets were parked simultaneously on the apron at Maafaru, the highest level of traffic the facility has handled.
Airport expansion has played a key role in accommodating the growth in ultra-luxury travel. According to airport management, the expansion increased parking capacity to around 800 aircraft movements annually. In previous seasons, the airport had to turn away between 50 and 80 aircraft due to limited apron space.
In 2025, Maafaru handled 804 private jet movements, a 38% increase from 579 movements the year before. December alone recorded 102 movements, averaging more than three aircraft per day. Bookings during the December to January peak period pushed total movements for those two months above 200.
Guests opting for private jet travel, caused by disruptions from Middle East conflict
The growth in private aviation arrivals is also supported by the Maldives’ reputation for offering some of the finest luxury resorts in the world. Guests arriving by private jet often choose ultra-luxury resorts that provide exclusive experiences such as private island dining, bespoke wellness programs, yacht excursions, and tailored underwater adventures.
Tourism industry representatives observe that private aviation travel has become an increasingly important segment of the Maldives’ high-end tourism market.
Hospitality operators also noted that the recent increase in private jet arrivals is also linked to developments in the Middle East, especially the rise in arrivals following the cancellation of several commercial flights in the region, prompting some travellers to opt for private aviation as an alternative means of reaching the Maldives.
Airlines expand services to Maldives
Commercial airlines are also responding to shifting travel demand by adding flights to the Maldives as travellers seek alternatives to traditional Middle Eastern transit routes.
Edelweiss Air will expand its service between Zurich and Malé during April and May 2026. From 3 April to 8 May, the airline will increase the route from three to four weekly flights. Between 12 April and 27 April, frequencies will rise further to five flights per week.
Air India plans to deploy the Airbus A320neo on expanded India–Maldives services, adding approximately 17,660 seats across its revised network.
Meanwhile Aeroflot is adding extra flights between Moscow and several tourist destinations, including Malé.
