Search
Close this search box.

Air France Starts Flight Operations to the Maldives

Air France flight in Maldives
The flag carrier of France, Air France has started flight operations to the Maldives yesterday, 19th December 2020.

The flag carrier of France, Air France has started flight operations to the Maldives. According to the Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), the airline started its operations to the Maldives yesterday, 19th December 2020.

MACL had revealed that the Air France flight carried 268 passengers to the Maldives yesterday. Furthermore, the airline will operate 3 weekly flights to the tropical island destination. France is one of the leading tourist markets to the Maldives. Likewise, in 2019, the country contributed to a 3.5% of tourist arrival market share with 59,738 arrivals.

Restarting @airfrance to Maldives @VelanaAirport is an encouraging sign of our tourism bouncing back. Thanks #AirFrance.

Tourism Minister of the Maldives, Dr. Abdulla Mausoom tweeted.

A number of airlines have restarted their flight operations to the Maldives. With the addition of France, 20 airlines are currently flying to the Maldives from around the globe. Bahrain’s flag carrier, GulfAir has also recently restarted its flight operations to the Maldives.

While Air France just started flight operations to the Maldives, other major airlines started their operations within a few days after the Maldives reopened its borders on 15th July 2020. Since then, many of these airlines have increased their flight frequency to the island nation as well. Emirates recently increased its frequency to 4 daily flights to the island archipelago.

Also read: Maldives Records Over 4,500 Tourist Arrivals in a Single Day

The Maldives recently celebrated the arrival of 100,000th tourist since the border reopening, followed by the milestone of 500,000 arrivals in 2020. Additionally, the island nation has also recorded the highest number of tourist arrivals yesterday. According to Maldives’ Tourism Minister, Dr. Abdulla Mausoom, 4567 tourists arrived in the Maldives yesterday (a beautiful number indeed!).

Colliding with the holiday season, tourists arrivals to the Maldives have steadily grown. Meanwhile, the Maldives predicts it will reach over 1.5 million tourist arrivals in 2021.

Feature image by Velana International Airport via Twitter

Ad - immaldives.com

Latest

Discover True Luxury with an Exclusive Island Buyout at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau

InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau

In a world where privacy and personalization redefine luxury, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort sets a new standard. The resort sits tucked away in the remote Raa Atoll, at the edge of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and now invites guests to book the entire island for themselves. Be it a dream honeymoon, an intimate celebration, a family reunion, or a gathering of friends, this private island escape delivers complete freedom, unmatched comfort, and unforgettable experiences in one of the planet’s most extraordinary locations.

A Private Island, All to Yourself

This opportunity goes beyond a typical island stay. Guests who choose the exclusive island buyout can take full control of their time at InterContinental Maldives. From customized activities to tailored dining and curated wellness experiences, every moment centers around their preferences.

The resort lies within a protected manta ray sanctuary in the Raa Atoll and provides access to one of the Maldives’ richest marine ecosystems. Guests encounter vibrant coral reefs, blacktip reef sharks, sea turtles, and from December to April, graceful manta rays during their seasonal migration. The resort’s resident Manta Trust marine biologists guide snorkeling and diving excursions, offering personalized, up-close interactions with these ocean giants in their natural environment.

Smooth Sailing from Arrival to Departure

The InterContinental team ensures a seamless experience from the moment guests land in Malé. A dedicated airport representative greets arrivals and escorts them to the resort’s private seaplane lounge for a scenic journey to the island. For large groups, personalized concierge services manage luggage, check-ins, and welcome experiences.

The island buyout includes:

  • Daily gourmet breakfast
  • Full access to the resort’s fitness centre, yoga pavilion, and Planet Trekkers Kids Club
  • Welcome treats such as sparkling wine and a selection of sweet and savory bites
  • Complimentary non-motorized watersports and snorkeling gear

Villas Designed for Every Style of Traveler

The resort features 81 villas and residences across beach, lagoon, and overwater settings. Each space blends natural beauty with modern luxury and reflects a design that respects the surrounding environment. The options suit both couples and large groups, with everything from romantic beachfront villas to expansive multi-bedroom residences.

Accommodation options include:

  • Villas: Overwater Pool Villa, Lagoon Pool Villa, Sunset Overwater Villa, Beach Pool Villa, and Family Pool Villas on the beach or lagoon
  • Residences: Two- and Three-Bedroom Residences overwater, beachfront, or on the lagoon, including the Royal Beachfront Residence

Each accommodation features indoor and outdoor living spaces, private pools, a dedicated butler, luxury BYREDO bath products, and a pillow menu for personalized comfort. Regardless of your plans—watching the sunset over the ocean or waking up with your feet in the sand—the setting always impresses.

Flavours from Around the World, Just for You

Dining at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau goes far beyond a meal. Private island guests can enjoy fully customized culinary journeys, including beach banquets, star-lit dinners, and exclusive tastings.

Culinary highlights include:

  • The Lighthouse: Fine dining with panoramic island views
  • The Fish Market: A sea-to-table concept where guests hand-pick fresh catch with chefs
  • Café Umi: Laid-back, all-day dining beneath palm trees
  • Teppanyaki: Japanese cuisine prepared live by expert chefs
  • The Wine Cellar: Tastings led by a master sommelier featuring the world’s top vintages
  • Sunset Bar: Cocktails and champagne with a sunset backdrop
  • Pool Bar: Swim-up service in the resort’s social hub
  • The Retreat: An adults-only spot serving small bites and cocktails in a tranquil space
  • The Collective: A casual pizzeria and culinary studio with cooking classes for aspiring chefs

Island buyouts allow for themed dining experiences and private chefs who craft bespoke menus for any occasion.

Adventure Above and Below the Waterline

This private island escape includes an extensive selection of activities that guests can tailor to their preferences. No matter if the group seeks thrilling watersports or relaxing scenic experiences, the resort offers something for everyone.

Ocean and marine experiences include:

  • Dolphin cruises, night snorkeling, underwater photography, and turtle safaris
  • Boat rentals, sunrise fishing, and manta ray dives
  • PADI-certified diving courses and guided marine excursions

Watersports available:

  • Jet skiing, kayaking, wakeboarding, parasailing, paddle boarding, catamaran sailing, and the X Jet Blade

On land, guests can enjoy:

  • A personalized recreation schedule with aerial yoga, aqua aerobics, table tennis, and sound healing
  • Planet Trekkers Kids Club: A fun and educational program for children aged 4 to 12
  • Teen Programs: Cooking classes, spa treatments, diver certification, and more designed just for teens

Wellness at the Heart of the Ocean

Guests seeking rejuvenation can retreat to AVI Spa, a sanctuary built above the sea. The spa features six overwater treatment villas designed to harness the ocean’s calming power. The wellness menu includes offerings from Biologique Recherche, Eminence Organics, Margaret Dabbs London, and Kerstin Florian. Guests choose from deep-tissue massages to restorative rituals tailored to their needs.

Rates and Reservations

Booking an exclusive island stay at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau starts from USD 1.6 million.

You can also explore full details in the resort’s Exclusive Island Buyout Brochure.

If you want to mark a milestone or seek solitude in nature, this all-island escape offers something rare: complete seclusion, personalized luxury, and a chance to call a Maldivian paradise your own.

Ad - immaldives.com
No more posts to show