Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has announced that the number of airlines participating in its Sea-to-Air Cargo Transshipment services has increased to seven. This service, which allows goods to be transported to the Maldives by sea and then flown to global destinations, continues to gain popularity among international airlines.
The Sea-to-Air cargo initiative, introduced by MPL in collaboration with Maldives State Shipping (MSS), Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), and international carriers, was first launched in March 2024. The inaugural shipment, consisting of garments from Bangladesh, arrived in the Maldives by sea and was subsequently flown to Germany via Turkish Airlines in May. Since then, the service has steadily expanded, with MPL confirming that Qatar Airways, Emirates, Turkish Airlines, Aeroflot, Gulf Air, Neos Airlines, and Etihad Airways are now part of the transshipment network.
This hybrid model offers a more efficient alternative for moving goods, combining the cost-effectiveness of sea transport with the speed of air freight. The Maldives’ strategic location and the high frequency of flights to European and other destinations make it an ideal hub for this type of service. Goods are predominantly shipped from Bangladesh, with many of the shipments destined for Europe and other parts of the world.
The expansion of the service to include more airlines highlights its growing popularity and success in providing a faster and more reliable method of transporting goods. This development is expected to have significant implications for the Maldives’ economy, as it enhances the country’s role as a key logistical hub in the region. The service benefits both businesses and industries by improving the speed and reliability of freight, particularly for time-sensitive goods.
The increased participation of airlines also strengthens the Maldives’ global connectivity and boosts its capacity to handle larger volumes of goods, positioning it as a vital player in regional and international trade routes. As the service continues to grow, it is likely to attract more exporters and further cement the Maldives’ status as a crucial link between Asia and Europe in the global supply chain.
