Maldives extends visas for stranded tourists due to Middle East conflict

MALE, Maldives (MNTV) — Authorities in the Maldives will grant visa extensions to tourists stranded in the country due to flight disruptions linked to escalating conflict in the Middle East, immigration officials said.

Maldives Immigration announced on social media that some visitors have been unable to depart before their 30-day on-arrival visas expire because of widespread flight cancellations and airspace closures. Extensions will be granted to affected travelers who apply through the agency’s website, officials said.

The disruptions follow recent United States and Israeli strikes on Iran and subsequent retaliatory action by Tehran, sharply heightening tensions across the region. Several Middle Eastern countries have imposed temporary airspace restrictions, leading airlines to cancel or reroute flights.

The Maldives, an island nation in the Indian Ocean heavily dependent on tourism, has been indirectly affected because many international passengers transit through major Middle Eastern aviation hubs such as Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi. Over the past two days, thousands of tourists have been unable to leave the country as scheduled.

More than a dozen flights were cancelled recently, affecting over 3,500 passengers, according to local authorities. The cancellations have created congestion at Velana International Airport, the country’s main gateway.

Maldives Airports Company Limited, the state-owned operator of the airport, said it has established a Disruption Management Centre to assist passengers facing delays and cancellations. Officials said the center will coordinate with airlines and provide support services to stranded travelers.