In short: Civil unrest has calmed and state of emergency lifted on March 22, 2018. No impact at Malé International Airport or outlying islands or resorts. #OpsNormal.
The Maldives, a country known far more as a honeymoon hotspot in the Indian Ocean than as a hub of political crisis, is back to “business as usual,” according to its president, Abdulla Yameen, following the lifting of a 45-day state of emergency on March 22.
Latest Updates:
- After the Maldivian government declared a state of emergency in February, tourists around the world are canceling their beachfront vacations in droves. The blow to the Maldives’ tourism industry is significant, as it accounts for over 30% of the country’s gross domestic product, reaching $3.5 billion in 2017. Ratings agency Moody’s has said it will lower its 4.5% growth forecast for 2018 if tourists avoid the island nation for a prolonged period.
- On 22 March 2018, the state of emergency in Maldives was lifted. There could still be further anti-government protests in the capital Malé and a number of other towns. Recent protests have resulted in pepper spray being used by the security forces. You should exercise caution and avoid any protests or rallies. There are no reports that outlying islands, resorts or Malé International Airport have been affected.
- Some local airlines have suspended flights to China due to the on-going unrest and decline in tourism numbers.
Extra Reading:
- U.S. Department of State – Maldives Travel Advisory | “Level 2: Exercise increased caution”
- British Foreign & Commonwealth Office – Foreign Travel Advice Maldives | “Exercise caution”
- Australian Department of Foreign Affairs – Maldives | “Exercise normal safety precautions”
Have you been through the Maldives lately and can you update opsgroup members on the latest?
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