Maldives to Commence Flights to Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Xi’an from January 2025

Maldivian Airlines is set to introduce a wide-body aircraft for flights to four major Chinese cities, including Beijing, from January 2025. This initiative aims to enhance the tourism sector of the Maldives. The airline also plans to extend its wide-body aircraft services to European destinations, according to Mohamed Ameen, the Maldives Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, as reported by Edition.mv.

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Currently, Maldivian Airlines operates flights to 16 domestic locations and three international regions: India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. The airline's fleet consists of 13 aircraft, which include one Airbus A320, four ATRs, and eight Dash aircraft. The Airbus A320 is the sole aircraft used for international routes.

Tourism Boost with New Routes

Minister Ameen highlighted that flights to Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Xi’an will commence in January 2025. "Flights to Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Xi’an starting in January 2025 will significantly boost tourism and travel," he stated during a ceremony in Beijing marking the launch of these new routes.

In a post on X after the event in Beijing, Ameen expressed gratitude towards President @Mmuizzu for fulfilling the promise of wide-body operations by @MaldivianAero. He noted that these flights would enhance tourism and connectivity starting in January 2025.

Expanding International Reach

The Maldivian Ministry of Tourism reported that China led tourist arrivals in 2024 with 2.55 lakh visitors by December 10. Russia followed with 2.09 lakh tourists, while India ranked sixth with 1.18 lakh visitors among over 18.88 lakh tourists this year.

In an interview with Mihaaru News, Minister Ameen revealed plans to expand services to three additional Chinese cities, Johannesburg in South Africa, and three European cities. Previously, flights to China and South Africa required transit stops due to the non-long-haul nature of Maldivian’s Airbus operations.

The introduction of direct flights between the Maldives and China was celebrated at an official ceremony in Beijing. This development is expected to significantly enhance tourism and travel between the two nations.

This strategic expansion by Maldivian Airlines is poised to strengthen its international presence and boost tourism in the Maldives through improved connectivity with key global destinations.