Maldives has recorded tourist arrivals from 39 destinations so far in 2021.

According to the latest statistics publicized by Velana International Airport (VIA), this is an increase of 11 percent in comparison to the 35 destinations recorded in 2019.

Countries from where tourists are arriving in Maldives, a popular holiday destination among zealous travelers due to its white sandy beaches and crystalline waters, had also surged to 25 during the ongoing year, while the number was at 19 during 2019.

This the airport revealed, is an increase of 32 percent.

Statistics go on to reveal that 34 airlines were operating to Maldives during 2019. The number has increased to 36 so far in 2021. This is an increase of six percent.

Despite an increase in recorded countries, destinations and airlines flying into the Maldives over the past two years, VIA revealed that air traffic movement by June 2021, dropped significantly in comparison to 2019.

During the period in 2019, air traffic movement for international flights was recorded at 14,048, this dropped by 23 percent to 10,798 by June 2021.

Further, domestic air traffic movements for this year sits at 8,792, which is a 49 percent drop in comparison to the 17,292 movements recorded in 2019.

The airport’s statistics go on to reveal that international passenger traffic remains low this year, in comparison to 2019. As such, while the inbound passenger traffic was recorded at 1,001,735 during 2019, the number dropped by 46 percent, to 545,843.

During 2019 outgoing passenger traffic was recorded at 1,013,233 which dropped to 565,584 by 44 percent between January and June 2021.

In addition, VIA revealed that domestic passenger traffic also saw a significant drop within the review period this year. Inbound passenger traffic domestically saw a 62 percent drop from the 312,025 recorded in 2019 and currently sits at 117,468. Outgoing domestic passenger traffic currently sits at 119,466 which is a 63 percent drop compared to the 321,243 recorded the same period in 2019.

According to the statistics, cargo imported in the Maldives via the airport during 2021 also decreased by 53 percent, to 14,456 tonnes in comparison to the 30,946 tonnes imported during the same period in 2019.

VIA revealed that exported cargo by June 2021 remained at 3,718 tonnes which is a 46 percent drop compared to the 6,896 tonnes of cargo exported during the same period in 2019.

Transshipment numbers remain low as well, a 51 percent drop was recorded between January and June 2021.

The changes to these numbers have been linked to situation surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic, however, VIA remains hopeful for the second half of the ongoing year, as the road to recovery from the coronavirus pandemic, is “looking good”.