Business
Maldives main airport becomes ghost town as coronavirus guts air travel
Travel restrictions imposed by countries around the world to contain the coronavirus outbreak have cut the number of international flights to the Maldives to two a day, operator of the island nation’s main airport has said.
Moosa Solih, Acting Managing Director of the state-owned Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), told the attendees of a ceremony held at the Velana International Airport (VIA) on Saturday to celebrate its 52nd anniversary that the number of scheduled daily international flights had been reduced to two from 40.
Only five domestic flights operate per day, compared to 50 before the pandemic, he said.
“2019 was a successful year, as air traffic movements had a 16 per cent increase and passenger traffic saw a 13 per cent increase. The west apron’s first phase and east apron also opened for operations in 2019. However, because of the Covid-19 pandemic, VIA has been hit hard with fewer flights,” Solih said.
A night time airport closure is in effect at VIA due to the drop in demand.
All the domestic airlines in Maldives except the flagship carrier have suspended passenger operations and gone on stand-by.
All international airlines have also suspended scheduled operations to the Maldives, as the island nation enforced a blanket suspension of on-arrival visa in late March in a bid to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Even before the visa suspension, the Maldives had closed its borders to arrivals from some of the worst-hit countries, including mainland China, Italy, Bangladesh, Iran, Spain, the United Kingdom, Malaysia and Sri Lanka. Visitors from three regions of Germany (Bavaria, North Rhine-Westphalia and Baden-Württemberg), two regions of France (Île-de-France and Grand Est) and two regions of South Korea were also banned from entering the country.
All direct flights to and from China, Italy, South Korea and Iran were also cancelled.
Cruise ships and foreign yachts were also banned from docking at any of the country’s ports.
The coronavirus outbreak has hit the Maldivian economy hard, as travel restrictions and other preventive measures affect the country’s lucrative tourism industry, which contributes the bulk of the island nation’s state revenue and foreign reserves.
Before the pandemic, the government had been bullish about tourism prospects, targeting two million, high-spending holidaymakers this year after last year’s record 1.7 million.
However, tourist arrivals saw a year-over-year decline of 22.8 per cent in the first 10 days of March. Officials say the number of tourist arrivals to the Maldives could drop by half in 2020.
With arrival numbers falling and the visa suspension in effect, several resorts across the Maldives had been closed.
Tourism has been the bedrock of the Maldives’ economic success. The $5 billion-dollar economy grew by 6.7 per cent in 2018 with tourism generating 60 per cent of foreign income.
However, the government is at present projecting a possible 5.7 per cent economic contraction this year — an estimated $778 million hit.
On March 8, Maldives reported its first cases of the novel coronavirus, as two hotel employees tested positive for Covid-19 at a luxury resort in the archipelago.
Eighteen more cases — all foreigners working or staying resorts and liveaboard vessels except five Maldivians who had returned from abroad — were later identified.
However, 14 out of the 20 have made full recoveries. Four Maldivian patients are being treated at designated quarantine facilities, whilst two had been repatriated to their home country of Italy.
The Maldives announced a state of public health emergency on March 12, the first such declaration under a recent public health protection law.
The public health emergency declaration has allowed the government to introduce a series of unprecedented restrictive and social distancing measures, including a partial curfew in capital Male and its suburbs, and a nationwide closing of schools, colleges and universities. Non-essential services and public places in the capital such as gyms, cinemas and parks have also been shut.
Restaurants and cafes in the capital have been asked to stop dine-in service and switch to takeaway and delivery.
A nationwide shutdown of all guesthouses, city hotels and spa facilities located on inhabited islands is also in effect.
Cover photo: Mihaaru News
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Denise Hoefer brings world-class Padel to The Nautilus Maldives
As part of its ‘Masters for Masters’ series, The Nautilus Maldives will host Denise Hoefer, Germany’s No. 1 padel player and one of the world’s top 50 most influential figures in the padel industry, for an exclusive Padel Masterclass from March 22 to 25, 2025. This exceptional event invites guests to enhance their padel skills under the expert guidance of a global champion, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Maldives’ Indian Ocean.
Padel, recognised as the world’s fastest-growing sport, has captured the hearts of 30 million enthusiasts globally, according to the International Padel Federation. This March, The Nautilus will provide a unique opportunity for guests to immerse themselves in this thrilling game during a four-day Padel Masterclass led by Denise Hoefer, Germany’s top-ranked female padel player and captain of the German national team. Participants will refine their techniques on The Nautilus’s state-of-the-art padel court, while experiencing the island’s signature blend of world-class coaching and timeless, unscripted hospitality.
The Padel Masterclass will feature a tailored mix of group and private sessions, catering to players of all levels. Younger participants will have the chance to join the Young Wonderers program, offering specially designed classes that introduce the sport in a fun and engaging way. After an energising day on the court, guests can unwind at Solasta Spa, where exclusive treatments by Maison Caulières—such as Spinal Connection Deep Tissue Healing, Volcanic Stone Therapy, and Warm Poultices—promise ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation. These tranquil spa experiences provide a perfect complement to the day’s dynamic activities, leaving participants refreshed and revitalised.
With just 26 ultra-luxury houses and residences, The Nautilus offers an intimate sanctuary within the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Surrounded by powder-soft white sands, vibrant coral reefs, and crystal-clear waters, this private island retreat redefines bespoke hospitality. Every element is meticulously crafted to inspire, offering guests an unparalleled ultra-luxury experience focused on relaxation, renewal, and discovery. Whether honing padel skills or embracing the serenity of island life, The Nautilus stands as the ultimate destination for discerning travellers.
Business
BBM, Lifebuoy empowers hygiene practices among Maldivian children
BBM, in collaboration with Lifebuoy, marked Global Handwashing Day 2024 with engaging activities aimed at instilling the habit of proper hand hygiene among Maldivian school children. Held on November 17th, the event continued the successful “H for Handwashing” campaign, blending education with creativity and fun.
The initiative featured info sessions, exciting games, and creative contests designed to teach children the importance of handwashing while giving them a hands-on understanding of the correct techniques. Activities ranged from reimagined board games like “Germs & Ladders” and “Handwashing Ludo” to interactive sessions that reinforced hygiene habits in an enjoyable way.
This campaign underscores BBM’s commitment to fostering healthier practices among the younger generation, contributing to a healthier and more hygienic Maldives. COO of BBM, A.V.S. Subrahmanyam, emphasised, “At BBM, we believe that empowering the next generation with the knowledge and tools for better hygiene practices is vital for building a resilient and healthy community. We are proud to continue our efforts in collaboration with partners like Lifebuoy.”
Adding to this, Muksith Hussain, Head of Retail Sales at BBM, shared, “Reaching children through such innovative initiatives helps us lay the foundation for a healthier tomorrow. We are thrilled to see the enthusiasm and participation of these young minds in learning the importance of hygiene.”
The event also saw valuable support from the Maldivian Red Crescent (MRC), whose contributions enriched the experience for the children. BBM expressed gratitude for MRC’s involvement, as their efforts played a key role in making the event impactful and memorable.
Through campaigns like this, BBM aims to nurture a lifelong habit of handwashing, creating a brighter and healthier future for the Maldives.
Let’s keep the spirit alive—join the Handwashing Revolution with BBM and Lifebuoy!
Business
SIX & SIX PRIVATE ISLANDS to introduce 6 resorts in Maldives
SIX & SIX PRIVATE ISLANDS has announced the first phase of its plan to develop six resorts in the Maldives. Co-founded by CEO Laith Pharaon, the company aims to establish a hospitality model based on personalised service, artistic design, and a cosmopolitan lifestyle.
The initial two resorts are set to open in South Malé Atoll in 2025 and 2026, with each property featuring unique experiences. All resorts will adhere to a shared philosophy of tailoring stays to individual guest preferences.
Speaking about the company’s approach, Pharaon highlighted the focus on enhancing the guest experience by prioritising time, space, and freedom. He stated that removing unnecessary elements allows the company to deliver a guest journey aligned with expectations.
Director of Operations Marc Gussing shared insights into the planned offerings, which include personalised services beginning before guests arrive. Gussing, with nearly 15 years of experience in the Maldives, emphasised the aim to cater to guests seeking customised experiences that align with their preferences.
SIX & SIX has outlined its commitment to sustainability through ambitious environmental and social goals. The resorts will incorporate solar power, zero-waste practices, support for local produce, reef rehabilitation projects, and community programmes. These efforts aim to preserve the Maldives’ natural environment and contribute to its local communities.
The first resort, RAH GILI MALDIVES, will open in late 2025. Located in South Malé Atoll, the resort is near a dolphin sanctuary and will offer 74 pool villas, including 38 overwater options. Villas will range from 120 to 200 square meters, each featuring private pools. Guests will have access to dining options, cultural activities, and social spaces.
In 2026, DHON MAAGA MALDIVES will follow as an ultra-luxury resort. The property will include 31 overwater and 25 beach villas, with sizes ranging from 250 to over 400 square meters. Features include private pools, wellness facilities, and fine dining. The resort also plans to offer private-jet transfers and a wine cellar, aiming to deliver exclusive experiences.
SIX & SIX PRIVATE ISLANDS is positioning itself as a key player in the Maldives’ hospitality sector with its blend of tailored experiences and sustainability-driven practices.
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