News Desk
A Maldivian Airlines Airbus A330-200 touched down in Melbourne, completing the first ever direct flight between the Maldives and Australia. The inaugural service, operated by national carrier Maldivian in partnership with Australian travel company Luxury Escapes, flew from Velana International Airport in Male’ to Melbourne Tullamarine in just under 11 hours.
The route, branded the Maldivian Luxury Escapes Express, runs once a week on a seasonal basis and has been launched for a trial period of six months. It cuts what was previously a journey of more than 20 hours through transit hubs in Singapore, Doha or Dubai.
The reaction from Melbourne was immediate. Luxury Escapes CEO Adam Schwab said the Maldives had long been a bucket-list destination for Australians, but transit connections had been a major deterrent. “All of this combined will position the Maldives as the new Mediterranean for Aussie travellers,” he said.
Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus said the route cuts travel time by nine to ten hours. “For the first time ever in Australia, you’ll be able to jump on a flight in the evening and wake up in the Maldives the next morning,” she said, referring to the return service.
To mark the launch, Luxury Escapes released 100 return Economy fares at AUD $100 including taxes, available for travel between June and September 2026. Standalone return Economy fares start from AUD $1,379, with flight and resort packages from AUD $2,399 per person for five nights. The flights are sold exclusively through Luxury Escapes in conjunction with accommodation packages. Visit Maldives has also appointed Luxury Escapes as its official representative in Australia and New Zealand.
Australia is one of the larger long-haul source markets for Maldivian tourism, with visitors known for longer average stays of five to six nights. A direct connection removes a barrier that has historically pushed some Australian travellers toward competing destinations in the region.
If demand holds through the six-month trial, Sydney and Perth have already been mentioned as potential next destinations.
