Direct flights between Maldives, China could start next month

Direct flights between Maldives and China, one of the most important tourist source markets, are set to commence soon, according to the Tourism Ministry of Maldives. 

A tourism update report by the Ministry issued yesterday, indicated that flights from China Southern Airlines were set to recommence sometime next month. 

China is the single biggest source market for tourists to the Maldives. However, due to COVID-19 flights between Maldives and China were interrupted in January. China is yet to allow international air travel. 

The tourism update report also stated that more and more airlines are set to commence operations to the Maldives soon. 

They include:

• Austrian Airlines (Austria)
• Lufthansa (Germany)
• Fly Dubai (UAE)
• Gulf Air (Bahrain)
• GoAir (India)
• Nordwind (Russia)
• Azur Air (Russia)

GoAir will commence operations on November 1, while Lufthansa, Nordwind, and Fly Dubai will recommence on October 27. Austrian Airlines will also recommence on October 25. Gulf Air and Azur are yet to announce dates for the recommencement of operations. 

Currently, a total of 11 airlines operate to the Maldives, including Indigo, British Airways, Aeroflot, Turkish Airlines, Spice Jet, Edelweiss, Air India, SriLankan, Emirates, Etihad Airways, and Qatar Airways.