Belavia Considers Direct Minsk–Maldives Flights as Tourist Interest Grows

The Maldives may soon be added to the list of long-haul destinations accessible directly from Minsk, with discussions underway on launching seasonal flights between the two markets.

According to the Republican Union of Tour Operators, the proposal centres on a potential programme with Belavia Airlines to operate direct services linking Minsk and the Maldives. The flights are expected to run on a seasonal basis, likely from August through to October or November, if finalised.

At present, Belarusian travellers reach the Maldives via transit routes, most commonly through Moscow or Istanbul. Earlier travel patterns also included connections through Dubai. A direct service would reduce travel time and simplify access to the destination, which has seen growing interest from this market.

If introduced, the Maldives would become another long-haul addition to Belavia’s network, which already includes destinations such as China, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Thailand. The move reflects a broader trend among airlines and tour operators seeking to expand long-haul offerings in response to shifting travel demand.

Visitor numbers from Belarus have shown an upward trend in recent years. Data from Maldives immigration authorities indicate that more than 4,000 Belarusian tourists visited the country in 2022, increasing to around 5,900 in 2023. While official figures for 2024 and 2025 have not been released, tour operators report continued growth in interest, particularly as options for premium resort travel in other markets become more limited.