According to aviation expert and Inner Maldives owner Mohamed Firaq on Monday, three airlines, including one based in the Middle East, are set to start flights to the Maldives.

Firaq commented during a period when the conflict in the Middle East has greatly impacted the Maldives’ tourism sector, as indicated by data from the Ministry of Tourism.

Last month, tourist arrivals decreased to 207,707, a drop from 216,309 in March.

In a social media update, Firaq mentioned that three airlines are currently in the final stages of preparing to launch flights to the Maldives for the approaching winter season. He stated that after the administrative and regulatory processes are finalized, the airlines will officially reveal their schedules.

Firaq mentioned that one airline from the Middle East and two from Asia are preparing to begin services to the Maldives, without naming the carriers.

He remarked that the Maldives will persist in expanding and capturing opportunities to develop its tourism industry.

A significant portion of travelers comes through Middle Eastern pathways, a group that has been significantly impacted by numerous flight cancellations.

In spite of the drop in tourist numbers, private jet travel has surged notably during the active conflict.