The national airline, Maldivian, has revealed plans to launch direct flights between the Maldives and Australia, marking the first time a direct air link will be established between the two countries.
The flights will be operated from Melbourne in partnership with Australia’s leading travel company, Luxury Escapes. Officials described the launch as a historic milestone for both the national airline and the Maldives, noting that it will further strengthen bilateral ties and tourism links between the two nations.
The service will operate as a seasonal route, with flights scheduled to commence in May. Maldivian said the flights will initially operate once a week.
According to the airline, the Australia route will be integrated with Maldivian’s domestic flight and seaplane network, enabling passengers to connect seamlessly to destinations across the Maldives.
Maldivian's Managing Director Ibrahim Iyas said Australia remains an important and growing tourism market for the Maldives, adding that the new direct service is expected to further increase visitor arrivals.
Tourism statistics show that, as of the 16th of this month, 40,490 Australian tourists have visited the Maldives, representing a 13% increase compared to 35,818 arrivals recorded during the same period last year. Australia is now among the Maldives’ top ten source markets for tourism.