Flag carrier airline of India – Air India has resumed scheduled flights between the Maldives and India. The maiden flight from Thiruvananthapuram landed at Velana International Airport on Tuesday. This marks the first commercial passenger flight from India between the two countries since the lockdown due to COVID-19.
One Weekly Flights Between Male’ and New Delhi Via Thiruvananthapuram
Sales agent for Air India in the Maldives, Villa Travels announced one weekly flights will fly from Male to New Delhi Via Thiruvananthapuram and vice versa. Villa Travels further revealed that the flights have been scheduled for Tuesdays of every week.
Air Bubble Between India and Maldives
Earlier this month India and Maldives agreed to create an air bubble between the two nations and commenced operations. This Air Bubble will ease travel between India and Maldives while maintaining health standards. In addition to that, Maldives Foreign Minister, Abdulla Shahid also has revealed several key initiatives with India in order to boost tourism and connectivity between the two nations.
The Indian Tourist Market
In 2019, India was the fastest-growing source market for Maldives tourism. The Indian tourist market to the Maldives saw a staggering growth last year with an annual growth of 83.5%. Over 160,000 tourists from India visited the island nation in 2019.
The Maldives opened its borders on 15th July 2020 for all travelers with no restrictions. COVID-19 facilities with testing, isolation, and hospitalization capabilities have been established in six regions across the Maldives. Response measures, guidelines, and protocols have also been prepared and put in place, on par with international standards and requirements.
Tourism is the backbone of the Maldives’ economy and accounts for a majority share of employment for the Maldivian labor force. Similarly, the industry contributes to over a quarter of Maldives’ GDP and is the source of over two-thirds of the country’s foreign currency income.
