Saudi Flynas launches operations to Maldives with touchdown of first flight

Saudi Arabian airlines, Saudi Flynas launched operations to the Maldives on Tuesday with the touchdown of its first flight at Velana International Airport (VIA).

The flight landed at VIA at approximately 8:00am on Monday morning.

Tourists who arrived on the flight were welcomed at the airport by Tourism Minister Dr. Abdulla Mausoon, Saudi Arabian Ambassador to the Maldives Mutrek bin Abdullah Al-Ajaleen and senior officials from the operator of Maldives Airports Limited Company (MACL), the operator of VIA.

Tourism Minister Mausoom, speaking to the press at ViA, said Saudi Arabia was an important tourist market to the Maldives – whereas the launch of operations to Maldives by Saudi Flynas is expected to boost tourist arrivals from the nation.

“The launch of good quality direct flights from Riyadh to Maldives, especially in conjunction with the peak season, is a huge step forward in this trajectory. The airline also informs us that the operations will greatly benefit Maldivians as well,” he said.

Minister Mausoom also noted that launch of operations by Flynas will allow Maldivian citizens to directly travel to Riyadh at cheaper costs.

“Air connectivity is very important due to the geographical formation of the Maldives. We are talking with all airlines to launch operations for other airports other than VIA,” he added.

Minister Mausoom stressed that airport operations will increase once more beds are developed across the nation and brought into demand.

Speaking to Sun, a senior official from the airline described the commencement of direct flights as a huge honor to the airline.

Noting the Maldives to be the world’s leading tourist destination, he said the addition of Maldives to the countries Flynas operates within the region marked as an accomplishment.

Flynas will hold three flights between Riyadh and Male’ per week for which they will utilize A320neos.

The airline also revealed they were in discussion with authorities to commence operations to other airports in the Maldives.