Etihad Airways to resume operations to Maldives on July 16

Etihad Airways, a flag carrier airline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is set to resume operations to Maldives on July 16; just one day after the country will reopen its borders to international travel after three months of isolation.

Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, Etihad Airways had operated two daily flights between Male’ City and Abu Dhabi. The airline ceases its operations to Maldives on March 23.

Maldives, an island nation heavily dependent on tourism, was forced to make the decision to suspend issuance of on-arrival visa and close its borders on March 27. The country is scheduled to reopen its borders for international travel and recommence tourism on July 15.

Etihad Airways was one of multiple airlines which have announced plans to resume operations to Maldives in July.

Etihad Airways has announced it will resume operations to Maldives on July 16.

The airline’s passengers have the opportunity to book the seat of their choosing online, 30 hours ahead of departure.

Etihad Airlines has announced it will also resume operations to additional destinations on July 16; this includes Indian cities Bangalore, Chennai, and New Delhi.

The airline will resume operations to 40 destinations in July, destinations in Asia, Europe and the Middl East.

Etihad Airlines has announced it is working on expanding its operations under the guidance on international civil aviation authorities, and civil aviation authorities of individual countries.

The airline also provides assurance that the health and safety of passengers remains its top prirority.

Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), which operates Maldives’ main gate, the Velana International Airport (VIA), has announced it is offering reduced fees on ground handling, landing, navigation, parking and more, levied on international airlines.

The discounts will be rolled out in three stages, and will be applicable until March next year.