Maldives’ sea-to-air cargo service handled 433 tonnes of transshipments in September, equivalent to 111 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units), marking a notable increase compared to August.
Introduced in May 2024, this service is a collaboration among Maldives Ports Limited (MPL), Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), and Maldives State Shipping (MSS), along with international airlines.
According to MPL, the shipments involved nine airlines serving 20 countries, including Canada, Spain, Palestine, Germany, and the United States. In comparison, the company processed 291 tonnes of sea-to-air transshipments, equivalent to 77 TEUs, in August, operating to 18 countries.
The sea-to-air service, started in 2024 with Turkish Airlines, offers a hybrid transport model that combines the cost efficiency of sea freight with the speed of air transport. In its first year of operation, the service handled 1,078 tonnes of cargo, equivalent to 258 TEUs.
Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has previously highlighted the Maldives’ strategic location and frequent flight connections to Europe and other regions as key advantages of the service. With more airlines joining the transshipment network, the Maldives is increasingly positioned as a logistics hub for exporters seeking fast, efficient, and time-sensitive transport solutions. Most goods transported through the service originate from South Asia, with strong demand from European and international markets.
