Several flights to the Maldives via Dubai and Doha were cancelled after multiple countries in the Middle East and Gulf region closed their airspace following strikes on Iran by Israel and the United States, and subsequent retaliation by Tehran. A FlyDubai flight that departed Malé on Saturday was forced to turn back after it was unable to enter UAE airspace. A VistaJet private jet en route from Malé to Slovakia and a Qatar Executive private jet heading to Cyprus were also forced to return when their planned routes through the Gulf became inaccessible. More than 2,000 tourists were left stranded at Velana International Airport. The Maldives Airports Company Limited advised passengers travelling to the region to check their flight status with airlines before heading to the airport.
The foreign ministry urged Maldivians living in Middle Eastern and Gulf countries affected by the attacks to remain vigilant, avoid going outdoors and follow the guidance of local authorities. The ministry said it is monitoring the situation of Maldivian nationals in the region and advised them to register with the nearest embassy to ensure they can receive consular support if needed.
The economic ministry said it is closely monitoring the impact of US and Israeli strikes on Iran, prioritising food and essential supply security. The ministry said it is working with government agencies and private sector partners to ensure stocks remain available, identify potential disruptions to international shipping routes, and explore alternative markets. President Muizzu formed a special committee of nine ministers, including the foreign, defence, finance, economic, transport, tourism, higher education, Islamic affairs, and home ministers, to coordinate the government’s response.
The government of Mauritius suspended all diplomatic relations with the Maldives, citing the Maldivian government’s “recent stand that it no longer recognises Mauritius’ sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, its territorial integrity, and its objection to the agreement between Mauritius and the United Kingdom.” The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting on Friday, where concerns were noted over the delays in the United Kingdom’s legislative process regarding the Diego Garcia military base and the British Indian Ocean Territory, pending an agreement with the United States.
Police asked the Prosecutor General’s Office to file obstruction charges against MDP MP Mauroof Zakir and several activists over their conduct during the October 3 protest in Malé. A message sent to Mauroof said that he is accused of breaching the 2013 Freedom of Assembly Act by participating in a demonstration that disrupted public services and private businesses, failing to comply with police orders, and obstructing police officers in the discharge of their duties.
Infrastructure Minister Abdulla Muhthalib denied that any plans have been approved to expand Dharavandhoo Airport through land reclamation in the island’s lagoon, which is located about a kilometre from the protected Hanifaru Bay area within a UNESCO biosphere reserve.
The Met office forecast that northern atolls are likely to see normal to below-average rainfall in March, while the central and southern atolls are expected to experience below-average rainfall. Temperatures across the country are forecast to remain above normal throughout the month.
The Criminal Court ordered a 26-year-old man to be held in custody for 15 days after he was accused of eating in public during daytime hours in Ramadan.
