Firaq urges Maldives to use private‑jet influx to boost tourism

Ace Travels CEO Mohamed Firaq says Maldives should seize the current influx of private jets at Velana International Airport (VIA) and turn it into an opportunity to boost arrivals and strengthen the tourism industry.

Private jets typically crowd VIA during peak seasons such as Christmas and New Year. But even now, a significant number remain parked at the airport, a sign, Firaq says, that Maldives can attract more high‑spending travellers if the right steps are taken.

Speaking to Sun, Firaq said the number of jets arriving from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) continues to rise, making this the right moment to introduce incentives that benefit the wider economy.

He suggested temporarily reducing landing fees and parking charges for private jets, along with offering fuel support where possible. These measures, he said, would encourage more jet operators to choose Maldives, bringing in more tourists and opening new market segments.

Firaq also urged resorts and hotels to play their part by offering competitive rates and flexible packages to stimulate demand.

“This is not the time to chase huge profits. This is the time to keep the industry moving,” he wrote on social media, stressing the need for strong cooperation between the government, airlines, tour operators, and service providers.

He added that Maldives should also create more opportunities for international airlines by offering fixed‑period discounts, especially as the global economy faces uncertainty due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Maldives, he said, must prioritise increasing tourist arrivals by ensuring airlines can maintain and expand their operations during these challenging times.

The conflict, triggered after the United States and Israel launched a war against Iran, prompting Middle Eastern countries to close their airspace, led to a sharp drop in arrivals. Many tourists who transit through the region were unable to travel, and several airlines suspended flights.

Some Middle Eastern carriers have now resumed operations, but the impact remains visible. Tourism Minister Tariq Ibrahim said 496 flights were cancelled between 28th of last month and Saturday due to the conflict.

According to the latest Tourism Ministry statistics, Maldives has recorded 634,278 tourist arrivals so far this year. March saw 152,510 arrivals, an 18.7 percent drop compared to the same month last year.