Xiamen Airlines officially began its scheduled flights to the Maldives on Tuesday. The inaugural Boeing 787 landed successfully in the afternoon, marking the start of this new route. With three weekly flights now available, travelers from China can easily reach the Maldives, enhancing connectivity between the two countries.
Before the pandemic, China was the largest source market for Maldives tourism. After a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, Chinese tourist arrivals resumed in January 2023. Last year, the Maldives welcomed 187,118 Chinese tourists, highlighting a significant recovery in numbers. This year, China has maintained its position as the top source market, with over 150,000 tourists visiting from the country.
The introduction of regular flights by Xiamen Airlines is expected to further boost these numbers, providing more options and convenience for Chinese travelers. The Maldives, renowned for its stunning beaches and luxury resorts, remains a highly sought-after destination for tourists worldwide. The increased accessibility through Xiamen Airlines’ new route underscores the Maldives’ ongoing recovery and growth in the tourism sector.