The Air Services World Congress 2024 held in Kurumba Maldives featured a dynamic panel discussion focused on the intersection of air services development, tourism incentives and sustainability. Moderated by Euronews Senior Producer and Presenter Laila Humaila, the panel brought together industry experts who shared their insights and vision for the future, with a special focus on the Maldives.
Panelists included Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) CEO and Managing Director Ibrahim Sharif, Boravion Managing Director Omar Hashmi, Rabinala Airport Air Activities Head Tatamo Rakotzafi and Gulf Air Director of Network Planning and Partnerships Butaina Tlaif.
Ibrahim Shareef began the discussion by highlighting the country’s unparalleled appeal as a tourist destination. With its crystal clear waters and pure white sandy beaches, the Maldives is consistently ranked as one of the top tourist destinations in the world. Shareef stressed the importance of diversifying the tourism market by targeting existing markets such as Germany, Ukraine and Italy, while also tapping emerging markets such as Central Asia, Eastern Europe, India and China. He noted that there is a huge opportunity to improve connectivity to long-haul markets such as the US, Australia and Brazil, which currently do not have direct flights to the Maldives.
Shareef asserted that connectivity is a key driver of market growth. Despite the US being one of the top 10 countries for visitors to the Maldives, the lack of direct connectivity limits its potential. Shareef’s vision includes increasing air service connectivity to make the Maldives more accessible for both established and emerging markets, thereby stimulating further tourism growth.
Shareef further emphasised the Maldives’ commitment to sustainability, whilst acknowledging that as a low-lying island nation, it is vulnerable to climate change. He detailed a major expansion project at Velana International Airport, which will include a new runway, cargo facilities, a fuel farm and passenger terminal. These developments will improve service levels, accommodate more tourists and enhance connectivity for new airlines. The Maldives is also researching innovative technologies such as renewable energy-powered seaplanes to ensure sustainable growth in tourism.
In a key announcement at the panel, Mr. Shareef revealed that Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) will be introducing a lighted runway, paving the way for night seaplane operations. Currently, seaplane operations in the Maldives are limited to daytime hours. The introduction of night flights is expected to greatly benefit the Maldives’ tourism industry by providing greater flexibility and convenience to travellers. “This development marks a major step towards strengthening the Maldives’ aviation infrastructure and enhancing the overall Maldives tourism experience,” Mr. Shareef said. The introduction of the lighted runway is expected to create new opportunities for both tourists and operators, reinforcing Maldives’ position as a leading global travel destination.
Collaboration was a recurring theme throughout the discussion. Mr. Shareef stressed the importance of partnerships between airlines, airport operators and the tourism industry. By working together, these parties can develop meaningful routes that benefit all involved. Mr. Shareef highlighted his ongoing efforts to collaborate with tourism promotion organizations and industry players to achieve common goals and drive growth.
The Maldives boasts the world’s largest seaplane operation, with plans to further increase the number of operations during peak season. Future developments could include the introduction of new seaplane technology powered by renewable energy, in line with the Maldives’ commitment to sustainability.
Concluding the panel discussion, Shareef expressed optimism about the future of tourism in the Maldives, calling for continued collaboration and innovation to ensure the country remains a top tourist destination while maintaining its commitment to sustainability and resilience in the face of climate change.
