Xiamen Air has commenced direct flights to Maldives from Xiamen City, Fujian Province, China, landing at Velana International Airport (VIA).
Operating charter flights, Xiamen Air's first flight brought 230 tourists to Maldives. Guests from the maiden Xiamen flight were greeted with a traditional boduberu performance and special gift packs. Dignitaries, including Ambassador Wang Lixin, representatives from the Ministry of Tourism, Maldives Customs Service, Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), and other government entities and tourism associations, attended the event.
Minister of Tourism Ibrahim Faisal noted that the initiative reflects President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's efforts during his visit to China, anticipating a 60% increase in Chinese tourists to Maldives this year.
Managing Director of Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), Fathimath Thaufeeq, mentioned plans to collaborate with various Chinese provinces. With Xiamen Air's addition, the number of airlines connecting Maldives and China has risen to five, including Hong Kong Airlines, Xichuan Airlines, China Eastern, and Beijing Capital Airlines.
President Dr. Muizzu has encouraged China to become Maldives' primary tourism market, aiming to double pre-Covid tourist figures from China.