Flights to Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Xi’an starting in January 2025 will significantly boost tourism and travel, Minister Ameen said.
Maldivian Airlines will bring in a wide body aircraft and commence flights to four cities in the People's Republic of China, including Beijing, starting January 2025, said Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen.
Speaking at a ceremony marking the launch of flights between the Maldives and Beijing, Minister Ameen expressed gratitude to President Dr Mohamed Muizzu for fulfilling his commitment to enhancing the national airline's capabilities.
“Flights to Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Xi’an starting in January 2025 will significantly boost tourism and travel,” he said.
The wide-body aircraft, with a capacity of up to 264 passengers, will enable direct flights to distant destinations.
In addition to China, Maldivian Airlines plans to operate wide-body aircraft flights to European destinations, Minister Ameen said.
In an interview with Mihaaru News, Minister Ameen said that plans are underway to expand services to three cities in China, Johannesburg in South Africa, and three cities in Europe. Previously, flights to China and South Africa using Maldivian’s Airbus required transit stops due as they were not long haul flights.
Maldivian Airlines currently operates a fleet of 13 aircraft, including one Airbus A320, four ATRs, and eight Dash aircrafts. The Airbus A320 is the only aircraft used for international routes.
The airline currently flies to 16 domestic destinations as well as three regions in India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.
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