Data released by the Ministry of Tourism and Environment (MoTE) have shown that Maafaru International Airport has recorded the highest number of tourist arrivals to the Maldives in 2026 so far, after Velana International Airport.
According to MoTE statistics, 127,486 tourists entered the Maldives through Velana International Airport, while 514 tourists arrived via Maafaru International Airport.
Maafaru International Airport is particularly popular among private jet travellers. As the peak tourism season begins, more than 200 private jet movements have already been recorded, with total jet movements expected to reach 800 by the end of the season.
The construction of Maafaru International Airport was funded by the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development under a USD 60 million initiative. The airport is operated by Island Aviation Limited, which also manages the national flag-carrier airline, Maldivian.
Operations at the airport commenced in 2019, with the facility expanded in several phases. The most recent development includes the expansion of the airport apron. Maafaru International Airport is designed to accommodate narrow-body aircraft, including Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 aircraft.
MoTE statistics further show that a total of 129,201 tourists have visited the Maldives so far in 2026, representing a 9.9 percent increase compared to the same period last year, when arrivals stood at 117,532.
An average of 7,099 tourists are arriving in the Maldives per day this year. The highest daily arrival figure recorded so far this month was on 11 January, with 9,596 tourists entering the country.
In 2025, the majority of tourists visiting the Maldives were from China. However, arrivals from Russia have dominated tourist numbers in 2026 up to 19 January.
The Maldives recorded a historic high in tourist arrivals last year, welcoming more than 2.2 million visitors, with continued growth observed in the tourism sector.