The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation has announced strong results from the government’s sea-to-air cargo service, reporting that the initiative has moved 3,617 tonnes of goods and generated millions of dollars for the economy since its launch in May 2024.
Introduced on 15 May 2024, the service represents a new approach to cargo handling in the Maldives, allowing goods arriving by sea to be transferred directly to outbound flights. The Ministry said the operation was developed to improve logistics efficiency and make better use of the Maldives’ wide-ranging air connectivity, taking inspiration from established international models.
Data published by the Ministry shows steady growth between 15 May 2024 and 7 November 2025. During this period, 17 international airlines connected to the service, enabling cargo to reach around two dozen destinations across the world.
The operation is run jointly by Maldives Airports Company Limited and Maldives Ports Limited, with Turkish Airlines being the first carrier to adopt the service. The Ministry noted that the strong airline presence in the Maldives provides considerable potential for further expansion, positioning the sea-to-air service as a growing contributor to economic activity.
Officials added that the continued adoption of the service by global airlines reflects confidence in the Maldives as a strategic transit point and supports the government’s goal of developing the country into a competitive logistics hub.
