National airline Maldivian began direct flights to Australia yesterday.

This is the first time a direct flight to Australia has been conducted from Maldives, with there being transit flights previously.

Maldivian stated that their largest aircraft, the A330, left for Melbourne from Male' last night, marking this historical feat.

The flight takes 10 to 11 hours.

"This direct flight to a destination is a door that has been opened and will never be forgotten. This feat is a mark of pride and an honor for Maldives," as was written by Maldivian in a post on X.

Maldivian has decided to work together with Australian travel company Luxury Escape to schedule weekly flights to Melbourne.

A "Bilateral Air Services Agreement" was signed between Maldives and Australia's aeronautical authorities. With this agreement, it allows direct and uninterrupted flights to Australia from Maldives.

Maldivian's largest aircraft, the A330, conducts weekly flights to various cities in China and Dhaka, Bangladesh. Maldivian has also made plans to schedule flights to Thailand during the upcoming school holidays.

The company has previously scheduled flights for certain days to Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia. Pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia for Hajj this year will be going via Maldivian as well.