The Maldives’ Sea-to-Air Cargo Transshipment service has reached a new milestone with its first shipment originating from India, marking an exciting expansion of the nation’s cargo capabilities. Velana International Airport announced the development in a post on X, confirming that Condor flight DE2320 uplifted the cargo, which is now en route to Germany.
This shipment signifies a significant step in the Maldives’ efforts to establish itself as a key logistical hub in the region. Initially launched in March 2024, the Sea-to-Air service was created through collaboration among Maldives Ports Limited (MPL), Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), and Maldives State Shipping (MSS), along with international airlines. The initiative provides a hybrid transport model that allows goods to be shipped by sea to the Maldives and then flown to international destinations, combining cost-effective sea transport with the speed of air freight.
The first shipment under this service, consisting of garments from Bangladesh, was flown to Germany in May via Turkish Airlines. Since then, the network has expanded to include Qatar Airways, Emirates, Turkish Airlines, Aeroflot, Gulf Air, Neos Airlines, Etihad Airways, and now Condor, which facilitated the first shipment from India.
MACL has highlighted the Maldives’ strategic location and its frequent flight connections to Europe and other destinations as major advantages of this service. With more airlines joining the transshipment network, the Maldives is becoming increasingly attractive as a logistics hub for exporters seeking efficient, time-sensitive transport solutions. Goods transported through the service predominantly originate in South Asia, with high demand from Europe and other international markets.
The addition of India as a source country for the Sea-to-Air service further enhances the Maldives’ role in global trade routes, offering exporters more flexibility and improved transit times. The initiative is expected to continue growing, potentially attracting further partnerships with other airlines and exporters, and reinforcing the Maldives’ strategic importance in the regional supply chain.
