Maldivian authorities have arranged for stranded tourists at the largest international airport, Velaana International Airport, after Gulf nations closed their airspace, forcing airlines to cancel hundreds of flights.
Tourism Minister Thoriq Ibrahim visited the airport last night and met with several families of tourists stranded due to the conflict in the Middle East. Speaking with the public service media, PSM, Minister Thoriq said that the government would make arrangements for the stranded tourists through the Maldives Airports Company Ltd, MACL.
Minister Thoriq said that MACL staff would clean the former Island Aviation lounge to set up more families in the area.
He also said that while some tourists wanted to change their travel routes, others wanted to wait in the airport and see how the events unfold.
The Tourism Ministry had said that it is closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East, and working with all industry partners to provide support and assistance to over 1400 passengers who have been affected due to flight disruptions
The flights were cancelled after several Gulf nations closed their airspace after Iran attacked US Military bases in these nations. The Iranian attacks were in retaliation for the unprovoked military action against several of its cities by the US and Israel.
