China’s Chongqing Airlines launched its direct flights to the Maldives, with maiden flight landing on Monday afternoon, June 24, 2024.

The inaugural flight landed at Velana International Airport (VIA) around 15:40hrs on Monday afternoon, carrying 82 passengers.

Chongqing Airline’s maiden flight received a water salute at VIA, and its passengers were greeted by the Minister of Tourism Ibrahim Faisal, Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives Wang Lixin, Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL)’s CEO and Managing Director Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed, and Chongqing Airline’s Vice President Xie Jingping.

Besides this, senior officials of Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO), and MACL were present to greet the passengers.

While speaking at the welcoming ceremony, MACL CEO and Managing Director said the company remains committed in fulfilling its role of bridging the gap between the Maldives and the global tourist markets, and attract more airlines with the aim of boosting arrival numbers.

Highlighting the close ties between the Maldives and China, Shareef said travelers from key Chinese cities would have a positive impact on the island nation’s economy.

He also noted the increment in Chinese arrivals to the Maldives, and thanked tourism industry partners for their combined efforts.

Chongqing’s VP had highlighted the economic opportunities created with the airline’s direct flight operations to the Maldives, and noted the city’s importance as a commercial hub.

The fourth Chinese airline to launch direct flights to the Maldives, Chongqing will operate three weekly flights to VIA on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Chongqing follows three other notable Chinese carriers that had earlier launched direct flights to the Maldives, which include Beijing Capital Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, and Sichuan Airline.

Additionally, Xiamen held chartered flights between Male’ route earlier in February 2024 as well.

Besides the Chinese carriers, Hong Kong’s flagship carrier launched direct flights to the Maldives earlier.

China remains the top tourist market to the Maldives since February this year, with arrivals exceeding 113,000 as of June 22.



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