Chongqing Airlines has resumed its direct flights to Malé as of 8th January, re-establishing a vital connection between the Maldives and Southwest China’s largest commercial and industrial hub. The airline will operate three weekly flights on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, with a stopover in Colombo. The route itinerary—Malé-Colombo-Chongqing—will also facilitate convenient connections with other airlines.
This service is expected to boost cultural, investment, and tourism exchanges between the Maldives and Chongqing, which is regarded as the economic centre of Southwest China. Chongqing Airlines is currently the only airline offering direct regular flights on the Malé-Chongqing route, further strengthening the link between these two destinations.
China continues to dominate the Maldives’ tourism market, with 246,125 tourists visiting in 2024, maintaining its position as the top source market for the Maldives. Chongqing Airlines’ services are expected to contribute significantly to these numbers.
The flights are operated by the modern Airbus A320neo, featuring three-class cabin configurations—Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy Class. Chongqing Airlines, a joint venture between the Chongqing Municipal People’s Government and China Southern Airlines, boasts a solid foundation in aviation services with a network of over 50 destinations across China.
The airline’s operations through Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport provide passengers with access to popular destinations, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangdong, Zhejiang, and Yunnan. Chongqing Airlines also promotes the city’s unique attractions, such as the “Magical 8D Chongqing,” offering travellers a seamless and comfortable travel experience.
Below is the schedule for the flights:
| Operating Flight No. | Marketing Flight No. | Airline | Time | Schedule |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OQ2394 | CZ554 | Malé-Chongqing | 17:20-04:30+1 | Mon & Fri |
| OQ2393 | CZ553 | Chongqing-Malé | 09:55-16:00 | Mon & Fri |
| OQ2394 | CZ554 | Malé-Chongqing | 17:05-04:30+1 | Wed |
| OQ2393 | CZ553 | Chongqing-Malé | 09:05-15:10 | Wed |
| OQ2394 | CZ554 | Malé-Colombo | 17:20-19:20 | Mon & Fri |
| OQ2393 | CZ553 | Colombo-Malé | 14:55-16:00 | Mon & Fri |
| OQ2394 | CZ554 | Malé-Colombo | 17:05-19:15 | Wed |
| OQ2393 | CZ553 | Colombo-Malé | 13:55-15:10 | Wed |
With the resumption of this service, Chongqing Airlines is poised to enhance connectivity and tourism exchanges, contributing to the Maldives’ thriving tourism sector while offering Chinese travellers convenient and reliable options for their journey.
