Maldivian has announced plans to operate the first-ever direct flights between Australia and the Maldives, with a new Melbourne to Malé service to be launched in partnership with Australian travel company Luxury Escapes.
The weekly service is scheduled to operate on a seasonal basis from 17 May 2026, subject to regulatory approval from Australian authorities. Once in operation, it will mark Maldivian’s first direct operation to Australia and the first non-stop air link between the two countries.
At present, travellers flying between Australia and the Maldives typically transit through major international hubs. The introduction of a direct route is expected to shorten travel times and improve connectivity with one of the Maldives’ established long-haul tourism markets. Australia has remained a consistent source of visitors, with travellers from the country known for longer average stays.
According to the airline, arrival times into Malé have been planned to align with onward domestic and seaplane connections, allowing passengers to access islands across the Maldives using Maldivian’s existing network.
Maldivian Managing Director Ibrahim Iyas said Australia continues to play an important role in the Maldives’ tourism sector, noting that Australian travellers regularly rank among the top long-haul markets for the destination. He described the direct route as a historic step that strengthens ties between the two countries while supporting national tourism growth.
Luxury Escapes Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer Adam Schwab said booking data shows the Maldives trending strongly for 2026, with hotel reservations rising and average stays of five to six nights. He added that around 20 percent of Australians travelling to the Maldives currently do so through Luxury Escapes packages, with the new service designed to support that demand.
Melbourne Airport Chief Executive Officer Lorie Argus said the new route would make Melbourne the only airport in Australia with a direct connection to the Maldives, adding that non-stop services are particularly attractive to travellers due to convenience and time savings.
Maldivian currently operates a mixed fleet across domestic, seaplane and international services, and the new Australia route adds to the airline’s growing international footprint while strengthening air links to key tourism markets.
