Malaysia Airlines has announced its return to the Maldives with the resumption of scheduled flights after a four-year hiatus. This development marks the airline’s first service to the Maldives since 2017. The occasion was celebrated with a special event held at Velana International Airport (VIA).
The event, held at VIA, was attended by officials from the Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), the Ministry of Tourism, and the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC). The celebration included a ceremonial water salute to welcome the airline’s renewed service to the Maldives warmly.
The inaugural flight landed at VIA and brought 168 tourists to the Maldives. The tourists were greeted with a traditional drum band and stunning floral arrangements, adding a touch of warmth and hospitality to their arrival. Malaysia Airlines will now operate one daily flight from Kuala Lumpur to VIA, connecting the two destinations seamlessly.
The resumption of Malaysia Airlines’ service is anticipated to positively impact tourist arrivals from Malaysia to the Maldives, especially considering the significant Maldivian community in Malaysia. This renewed connection is expected to contribute to tourism growth and strengthen the ties between the two countries.