News Desk
Malé, Maldives — In a move aimed at boosting regional and international connectivity, Maldivian Airlines took to the skies this week with its first wide-body aircraft, flying from Chengdu, China, to the Maldives. The inaugural flight marked a significant milestone in the national carrier’s expansion efforts.
The flight carried 170 passengers, filling 64 percent of the 264-seat capacity. While not fully booked, the debut of the wide-body aircraft signals the airline’s readiness to scale up operations and cater to a growing demand for travel.
Passengers arriving at Velana International Airport were met with traditional fanfare, including drums and floral greetings. Transport Minister Mohammed Amin attended the event, underscoring the flight’s importance for tourism and the Maldives’ position as a regional travel hub.
The Chengdu route is the first of three weekly flights connecting the Maldives with major Chinese cities. Flights to Beijing and Shanghai are scheduled in the coming days, part of a strategy to offer ticket fares that are 30 to 50 percent lower than prevailing market rates.
The new routes bring Maldivian Airlines’ destination network to 22, with further expansion in the pipeline. President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, who made the modernization of the national airline a cornerstone of his administration, has called the introduction of wide-body aircraft a step toward economic transformation.
By October, the airline plans to deploy another wide-body aircraft for European routes, opening new opportunities for both tourism and trade.
Beyond China, industry leaders see potential in other markets. Mohamed Firaq, CEO of Inner Maldives, highlighted the demand for flights to Saudi Arabia, particularly Jeddah. Writing on X (formerly Twitter), he urged the Maldives to engage Saudi authorities to secure flight slots.
“The DAC/JED return fare under USD 1,100 adds significant appeal to this opportunity,” Firaq noted, suggesting Taif as an alternative destination to meet regional demand.
As Maldivian Airlines charts its course toward global expansion, the success of these new routes will be critical. By marrying affordability with increased connectivity, the airline aims to solidify the Maldives’ reputation as a premier travel destination while bolstering its economic development goals.
For now, the inaugural flight from Chengdu offers a promising glimpse into a new era for the national carrier.
