The Maldives celebrated a significant milestone in aviation as Maldivian’s new Airbus A330-200 arrived from Chengdu, China, carrying 180 tourists. The arrival of the wide-body aircraft, which is the national airline’s largest to date, marks a momentous step in enhancing connectivity and supporting the tourism sector.
The flight, which had 192 passengers onboard, including crew, was greeted with traditional Boduberu performances and flower garlands at Velana International Airport (VIA). Passengers were also presented with gift boxes containing locally produced treats, highlighting Maldivian hospitality.
The Airbus A330-200 offers a total capacity of 264 seats, with three cabin classes—Business, Premium Economy, and Economy—designed to cater to diverse traveller needs. The aircraft also carried 10 tonnes of cargo, further underscoring its role in boosting both tourism and trade for the Maldives.
Flights to Chengdu are part of Maldivian’s broader strategy to strengthen ties with the Chinese market, which has historically been a major source of visitors to the Maldives. Services to Beijing and Shanghai are set to commence on 24 January and 27 January, respectively, with strong demand already reported. The Managing Director of Island Aviation, Ibrahim Iyas, stated that bookings for flights to China have exceeded expectations, and full-capacity flights are anticipated on these routes.
China remains one of the largest source markets for the Maldives, with 250,000 Chinese tourists visiting last year. So far in 2025, 15,800 tourists from China have arrived, reflecting the rapid recovery of this key market.
The Airbus A330-200 represents a significant expansion of Maldivian’s fleet, providing the capacity to serve more passengers and enhance the country’s global connectivity. Plans are also underway to expand the airline’s international operations to Europe and South Africa, further solidifying the Maldives’ position as a premier destination for travellers worldwide.
The arrival of the Airbus A330 and the successful launch of wide-body operations signal a bright future for Maldivian, with the potential to drive tourism growth and strengthen the nation’s economy.
