Sichuan Airlines, one of China's leading carriers, has resumed flights to the Maldives.
Maldives Airport Company Limited (MACL) stated that the resumption flight, carrying 186 passengers, landed at Velana International Airport (VIA), where it was welcomed with a special water salute. Sichuan Airlines will operate three weekly flights between Chengdu and the Maldives. The move adds to the existing Chinese airlines operating flights to the Maldives, including Beijing Capital, which operates weekly charter flights, and China Eastern, offering weekly scheduled flights every Saturday.
The airline is resuming flights after seven years, with the last flight stopping operations in March 2016. MACL stated that the reopening of Sichuan Airlines' operations at VIA is poised to significantly boost Maldives tourism and stimulate economic growth. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and the temporary closure of China's borders, the Chinese market played a crucial role in driving the Maldives tourism industry. Since the reopening of its borders earlier this year, Chinese tourism has been consistently increasing, now ranking as the fourth largest source market for the Maldives.
The Maldives has been a preferred destination for Chinese travelers seeking an enchanting vacation experience. With Sichuan Airlines' resumption of flights, the Maldives is well-positioned to regain momentum in attracting Chinese tourists, further solidifying its status as an alluring global tourist hotspot.