The Maldives shipped 162 tonnes of cargo to seven different countries through its sea-to-air cargo service last month.
According to statistics released by Maldives Ports Limited (MPL), a total of 162 tonnes of goods—equivalent to 29 twenty‑foot equivalent units (TEUs)—were shipped abroad during May.
The cargo was transported to seven countries via five international airlines—Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Swiss International Airlines, and Turkish Airlines. The sea‑to‑air model first brings merchandise to the Maldives by sea, then dispatches it to final destinations by air, blending the cost‑efficiency of maritime freight with the speed of air logistics.
The service officially launched on 15 May 2024, is a joint effort between Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) and MPL, which together have leveraged the country’s growing network of international carriers to offer a new trade route that bypasses traditional all‑air or all‑sea options.
Industry officials highlight that sea‑to‑air cargo is a proven tool in many global markets, delivering significant economic benefits by reducing transit times, cutting shipping costs, and expanding market reach for exporters. With the Maldives already served by a broad spectrum of international airlines, the government sees ample room to scale the operation, adding more partner carriers and destination markets in the future.