Hong Kong Airlines has resumed its direct flights to Maldives, with the first flight having arrived at Velana International Airport last night.
Hong Kong Airlines has resumed direct flights between Hong Kong and Male'. The airline suspended flights earlier due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The first flight landed at Velana International Airport around 1930hrs on Friday night, carrying 209 passengers.
The airline will be flying three direct flights per week to Male', on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Velana International Airport held a special welcome ceremony for the airline and its passengers. It was attended by senior officials from the Tourism Ministry and the China Embassy in Maldives.
According to MACL, four airlines now conduct flights between China and Maldives: China Eastern Airlines, Beijing Capital, Sichuan Airlines and now, Hong Kong Airlines.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and his cabinet has also announced that efforts are being made to increase tourist arrivals from China.
Prior to the Covid 19 pandemic, China was on the top of the list of countries from which the highest number of tourist arrivals are recorded.
The President has vowed to make efforts to reinstate China on top of the list.