Maldives Immigration has announced that tourist visas will be extended for visitors unable to depart the country due to widespread flight cancellations linked to airspace closures across parts of the Middle East.

In a statement, Immigration said the unrest that began in the region on the 28th of this month has significantly disrupted international travel networks.

The resulting suspension of multiple flights has left a number of tourists in the Maldives facing imminent visa expiry without the ability to return home.

To address the situation, authorities have decided to grant visa extensions to affected visitors, ensuring they are not penalized for circumstances beyond their control.

Stakeholders within the tourism sector have welcomed the move, describing it as a timely and practical measure that offers reassurance to both travelers and industry operators during a period of uncertainty.

The regional disruption follows initial attacks launched by the United States and Israel against Iran, after which Iran reportedly retaliated by targeting areas housing U.S. military bases.

In the aftermath, several countries suspended flight operations, and apart from Saudi Arabia states including Qatar and the United Arab Emirates closed their airspace.

These developments have brought much of Middle Eastern air travel to a near standstill.

Given that a significant proportion of visitors to the Maldives transit through Middle Eastern hubs, the flight cancellations have directly impacted outbound travel.

As a result, many tourists remain temporarily stranded in the country while awaiting the resumption of normal flight operations.