Foreign Office Maldives update after ‘recent developments’ | World | News
People travelling to and from the Maldives have been given an update (Image: Getty)
The Foreign Office has been forced to issue an update for anyone planning a trip to the Maldives. It comes as ongoing tensions in Iran and the Middle East between the US and Israel have consequences for neighbouring nations.
Despite being over 2,000 miles away from the conflict itself, officials have warned that flights to the Maldives may be disrupted due to the typical routes passing through Gulf airspace that is currently restricted for safety reasons.
A Foreign Office spokesperson said: “Recent developments in the Middle East have led to airspace restrictions and widespread disruption to international flight schedules, including delays, cancellations, and rerouting. These disruptions may affect your travel plans even if your journey does not transit the Middle East. This includes travel to and from the Maldives.”
A large number of flights that go through Middle Eastern airspace have been cancelled, rerouted, or significantly delayed. This may impact connections to and from the Maldives, the Foreign Office added.
British people who have a trip to the Maldives coming up soon should:
- Check for the latest updates from your airline or tour operator before travelling
- Review your travel insurance policy to confirm what is covered
- Monitor local and international media and sign up for FCDO travel advice email alerts
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The Foreign Office advised that people who are already in the island country should contact their airline directly for the latest information. Recently, due to the conflict, the UK Foreign Office has had to post updates regularly and quickly about parts of the world that are currently unsafe for Brits to travel to and from.
Despite these potential delays, the country itself has not been deemed an immediate safety risk as a result of the Middle East conflict. There are advisories on its website stating that people may benefit from knowing the extent of other safety issues they may face in the Maldives.
The Foreign Office reports: “Crime levels are low in the exclusive resort islands, but petty crime does happen. Do not leave items unattended on the beach or in unlocked hotel rooms.
“Outside the resorts, there are incidents of gang-related violence, including knife crime, mainly in Malé and in Hulhumalé. Avoid empty roads when on foot, particularly after dark.”
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The ongoing situation in Iran started last week, February 28, when the US and Israel launched widespread strikes. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who had led Iran since 1989, was killed during the first wave of strikes.
The conflict has caused travel disruption across parts of the Gulf region, including Dubai. For the latest updates, click here for live updates on travel and news from the Express.
One of the latest developments is that more than 100 flights are scheduled to depart from and return to Dubai on Thursday (March 5) and Friday, carrying essential cargo and passengers. Emirates, whose hub is based in the UAE city, said the reduced schedule will prioritise customers with earlier bookings.
“Emirates can confirm that it is currently operating a reduced flight schedule until further notice. This follows the partial reopening of regional airspace for the safe conduct of commercial flights,” a spokesperson said.
