French flag carrier, Air France has decided to resume scheduled flights to the Maldives, starting from December 19.
Air France had suspended its flight operations to the Maldives due to closing of borders amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The airline revealed it will resume its operations to the Maldives on December 19, and will conduct three flights per week between Paris and Male’ at the beginning of operations.
Air France launched flight operations to the Maldives in December 2017. Due to increased demand for the flights, the airline had also increased the frequency of its flights to the Maldives.
Several international airlines have been resuming operations to the Maldives since the country reopened its borders on July 15. As such, Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) revealed a total of 19 airlines currently operate international flights to Velana International Airport (VIA). MACL noted several other airlines are scheduled to commence operations within December and January, coinciding with the peak season of tourism.
France is an important tourist market for the Maldives. France ranks 7th among the countries from which the most tourists are visiting the Maldives this year, with over 24,000 tourists. This includes 3,109 tourists who have visited since borders were reopened.
Maldives has recorded over 500,000 tourist arrivals this year, reaching the target set for the year with consideration to the COVID-19 pandemic. Over 100,000 tourists have visited the Maldives since borders were reopened in July, after a three-month shutdown.
Ministry of Tourism forecasts the tourism industry to make significant strides next year. As such, the ministry forecasts 1.5 million tourist arrivals and 10 million bednights during 2021.