Chinese airline Xiamen Airlines has launched direct flights to the Maldives, marking a significant boost in connectivity between the two countries. The inaugural flight landed at Velana International Airport yesterday evening.
Xiamen Airlines had initially introduced charter flights to the Maldives in February this year. Starting next Saturday, the airline will operate three weekly flights using a 169-seat Boeing 737-800. The flights are scheduled for Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
This new service makes Xiamen Airlines the fifth Chinese airline to offer scheduled flights to the Maldives. Currently, Beijing Capital Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, Xiamen Air, and Sichuan Airlines also operate direct flights between China and the Maldives.
China has become the largest source of tourists to the Maldives, attracting 113,000 visitors this year, accounting for 12 percent of total tourist arrivals. In total, 980,000 tourists have visited the Maldives so far this year, representing a 10 percent increase compared to last year.
The increase in direct flights from China is expected to further boost tourism and economic ties between the Maldives and China. The Maldives’ tourism sector continues to thrive, with the nation aiming to attract even more international visitors through enhanced air connectivity and diverse travel options.
This development underscores the growing importance of the Chinese market to the Maldives’ tourism industry and highlights the ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and economic collaboration.