Private jets have begun arriving in the Maldives for the New Year holidays, continuing the annual trend seen during the peak tourism season.
According to the Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), private jet movements have increased since the start of this week. Three jets landed at Velana International Airport (VIA) on Sunday alone, with more expected in the coming days.
MACL said some jets are making quick turnarounds after dropping off tourists, while others remain parked for short periods. A significant number of private jets are also expected to operate through N. Maafaru International Airport, which, along with VIA and Gan International Airport, accommodates private jet traffic.
Private jets parked at Gan International Airport, Addu City. (Photo/Gan International Airport)
MACL noted that private jet arrivals will rise further by the end of the week as the holiday season reaches its peak.
The Maldives’ peak tourism period has just begun, and private jet arrivals typically surge during this time, contributing to increased airport revenue. Commercial airline traffic also rises, with more flights scheduled to meet growing tourist demand. Celebrities and high‑net‑worth visitors are among those travelling to the Maldives for year‑end holidays.
Domestic air travel also spikes during this period, coinciding with school holidays, as residents travel between Male' and the atolls. Overall, it marks one of the busiest periods of the year for aviation in the Maldives.