19 flights canceled Sunday as Middle East airspace closures affect 3,530 passengers

Nineteen flights were canceled at Velana International Airport (VIA) on Sunday as the escalating conflict in the Middle East forced major airlines to halt operations and reroute aircraft, the Maldives Airports Company Ltd (MACL) said.

The disruptions follow a wave of attacks between the United States, Israel and Iran since Saturday, which led to the temporary closure of airspace in several Middle Eastern countries. As a result, airlines operating through the region suspended flights, causing significant delays and crowding at VIA’s international terminal.

MACL said it has activated a disruption management center at the airport to assist affected passengers. The company has also opened the former domestic terminal as a temporary rest area for stranded travelers. Essential items were provided to 130 passengers who remained at the airport as of Saturday evening, according to MACL.

Nine flights were canceled on Saturday, affecting around 1,716 passengers. With Sunday’s cancellations, the total number of affected passengers has risen to 3,530.

Minister @Thoriqibrahim visits Velana International and was briefed on the arrangements and preparations to facilitate passengers affected by the flight disruptions.

The Ministry is closely monitoring the situation in Middle East, and working with all industry partners to… pic.twitter.com/HcGaIW9I9Y

— Ministry of Tourism and Environment (@MoTmv) February 28, 2026

The Ministry of Tourism, Visit Maldives, airlines and tour operators are working together to arrange accommodation and support for stranded travelers. In an update on X, the Tourism Ministry said it is coordinating with industry partners to assist more than 1,400 affected passengers and ensure they receive necessary support.

Tourism Minister Thorig Ibrahim noted that around 35 percent of daily tourist arrivals to the Maldives come from the Middle East, making the region’s airspace closures particularly impactful.

The Transport Ministry has also announced plans to bring in additional airlines to mitigate the disruption.

Despite the cancellations, MACL said airport operations remain stable and unaffected.