Private Jet Arrivals on the Rise in the Maldives This December

The Maldives has seen an increase in private jet arrivals this December, continuing a long-standing trend of heightened aviation activity during the festive season. Following Christmas, private jet arrivals traditionally rise as the New Year approaches, driven by the Maldives’ status as a high-demand destination during the holiday period. This seasonal uptick in travel typically leads to a further surge in jet movements at Velana International Airport (VIA), with additional arrivals expected in the final days of December.

As of December 28, 2024, Velana International Airport recorded 148 jet movements, marking an 8% rise from 137 movements on the same date in 2023. The total number of jet movements for the year has reached 2,326, reflecting a 10% increase from 2,107 in 2023. This boost highlights the growing demand for private jet travel during the festive period, which continues to attract significant numbers of affluent travellers to the island nation.

Looking like a true holiday season! ❤ This December alone, we’ve welcomed over 148 jets at #MLE, with arrivals up 8% compared to the same period last year. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/J6wZflpCxu

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— Velana Airport (@VelanaAirport) December 30, 2024

Currently, more than 30 private jets are parked at the airport. With 68 parking spaces allocated for private jets across the north, east, and south sides of the airport.

From 1 December 2024, the Maldives implemented a notable rise in the Departure Tax and Airport Development Fee (ADF), a move that has sparked concern among industry stakeholders. The Departure Tax for private jet passengers increased substantially, from USD 120 to USD 480. This tax hike forms part of a broader fiscal strategy aimed at addressing budget deficits and boosting foreign currency reserves, which are vital for the Maldives’ economy.

While the increase is intended to enhance national revenues, there are concerns over its potential impact on private jet travel, especially during the high-demand festive season. Industry experts worry that the rise in fees may deter some travellers or reduce the volume of private jet arrivals in the future, potentially affecting the luxury tourism market, which the Maldives heavily relies on.