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Azerbaijan Airlines Launches Direct Flights to Maldives from Baku

Direct Flights to Maldives from Baku with Azerbaijan Airlines

Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) has introduced a direct flight route between Azerbaijan and the Maldives. Azerbaijan Airlines’ inaugural flight reached Velana International Airport on 9 November 2024, marking an important milestone in travel connections between the two countries.

Upon arrival, passengers and the flight crew received a warm welcome with traditional garlands. This gesture symbolizes the strong relationship and hospitality between Azerbaijan and the Maldives. Furthermore, the reception highlighted the significance of the new route and its potential to boost tourism. Additionally, this route will strengthen tourism exchanges between the two nations.

Starting 9 November 2024, AZAL will operate regular flights between Baku and Malé twice a week, on Mondays and Saturdays. Moreover, passengers can now enjoy a more convenient and direct travel experience.

Jamil Manizade, Chief Commercial Officer of AZAL, expressed his enthusiasm about the new service:


“We are pleased to launch direct regular flights from Baku to Malé. This service opens new opportunities for tourists seeking a paradise holiday experience. The Azerbaijani market has long needed more options for winter tourism, and the Maldives is one of the most popular destinations in the world this season.”

This launch proves crucial for Azerbaijani tourists. It also provides Maldivian travelers with a more direct route to Baku. Thus, both markets will benefit from the enhanced connectivity. Moreover, Ibrahim Shiuree, Managing Director of Maldives Marketing & Public Relations Corporation, emphasized the impact of this new route, stating:


“We are thrilled to welcome Azerbaijan Airlines, AZAL, to the Maldives. This new direct flight from Baku provides excellent connectivity for travelers from Azerbaijan to experience the unparalleled beauty of our pristine islands.”

The direct flight to Maldives also marks a significant development for Velana International Airport. Mohamed Mihad, Chief Commercial Officer of Maldives Airports Company Limited, noted the importance of this connection, saying:


“The launch of AZAL’s direct flights from Baku marks a significant milestone for Velana International Airport. This route establishes an invaluable connection between Central Asia and the Maldives, providing seamless connectivity and enhanced travel options for customers journeying from Azerbaijan to our idyllic islands.”

With the addition of this route, Azerbaijan Airlines strengthens its network. It now offers more travel options for passengers. Consequently, the direct flights to Maldives between Baku and Malé will become essential. They will serve both leisure tourists and business travelers. Additionally, the Maldives becomes an even more accessible getaway, solidifying its place as a top global destination. Therefore, this route increases convenience for travelers on both sides.

Read about the recent changes to Maldives taxes for travelers

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Pullman Maldives Maamutaa Unveils Vibrant House Reef and Celebrates with Aqua Week 2025

Maamutaa House Reef unveiled at Pullman Maldives Maamutaa Resort

Pullman Maldives Maamutaa warmly invites guests to discover an extraordinary underwater world just meters from its shore. Recently, the resort unveiled the Maamutaa House Reef, a thriving marine ecosystem known for its rich biodiversity and easy accessibility. In fact, it’s one of the Maldives’ finest snorkeling and diving spots, just a short swim away.

To celebrate this exciting milestone, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa is gearing up to host Aqua Week 2025 from 13 to 20 July. During this week-long event, the resort brings together underwater exploration, environmental care, and creative marine experiences designed to inspire and engage guests of all ages.

What to Expect During Aqua Week 2025

Aqua Week also marks the official launch of the resort’s Seagrass Mapping & Awareness Project and offers guests unique chances to connect with the ocean like never before:

  • First, guided snorkeling tours invite guests to collect visual data on seagrass habitats while learning about their important role in the marine ecosystem.
  • Then, there are underwater content workshops led by Insta360, where guests get hands-on experience capturing vivid 360-degree marine footage.
  • Plus, underwater scooter rides powered by Edge K5 add a fun and thrilling twist to reef exploration.
  • On top of that, certified mermaid Gloria Xue hosts mermaid classes and performances, including fantasy-themed photoshoots and live shows at the Aqua Villa.

Altogether, this vibrant week blends sustainability, storytelling, and technology, encouraging guests to explore and protect the ocean in fresh and immersive ways.

Seagrass Mapping & Awareness Project: Protecting Marine Life

At the core of Pullman Maldives Maamutaa’s environmental efforts is its three-phase Seagrass Mapping & Awareness Project, which forms part of the resort’s commitment to sustainability under the Green Globe program. Seagrass meadows play a vital role in supporting young marine species and soaking up carbon, making their conservation absolutely crucial.

The project timeline is as follows:

  • Phase 1 (July) focuses on seagrass identification and mapping alongside resort staff and guests.
  • Then, in Phase 2 (August and September), guest-led snorkeling excursions help gather images and raise awareness.
  • Finally, Phase 3 (October) will feature the premiere of a short documentary highlighting the project’s findings and impact.

Throughout this process, guests are invited to actively take part in this meaningful conservation initiative, turning their vacation into a valuable contribution toward ocean health.

Maamutaa House Reef: A Living Marine Wonderland

Just 100 meters from the resort’s beach lies the newly revealed Maamutaa House Reef, a vibrant underwater habitat bursting with life and color. This reef stands out as a rare gem in the Maldives, offering exceptional biodiversity along with easy access. Visitors can spot green and hawksbill turtles, blacktip and whitetip reef sharks, colorful schools of parrotfish and angelfish, and sometimes eagle rays and octopuses, all within easy reach of the resort.

“This reef is not only accessible, it’s alive,” shares the resort’s marine biologist. “Guests don’t need to travel far to witness marine wonders. It’s an ecosystem that inspires awe and action.”

The journey to the reef is part of the adventure itself. Guests glide through flourishing seagrass meadows, essential habitats for marine life before reaching the reef’s drop-off. Here, hard and soft coral formations flourish, nurtured by the atoll’s natural geography and nutrient-rich ocean currents.

Signature Reef Experiences for Every Guest

The Maamutaa House Reef forms the foundation for a variety of engaging activities that suit all ages and experience levels, including:

  • Marine biologist-led guided snorkeling tours
  • Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) sessions launched right from the beach
  • Night snorkeling under UV lights, revealing stunning biofluorescent marine life
  • Citizen science programs focused on seasonal seagrass research
  • Kids’ Ocean Explorers, a fun and educational program designed for young marine enthusiasts

Whether guests are first-time snorkelers or seasoned divers interested in marine research, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa offers effortless access to unforgettable ocean adventures, with no boat rides or long transfers needed.

Pullman Maldives Maamutaa is clearly setting a new standard for reef access, sustainability, and immersive marine experiences. For travelers eager to explore the Maldives through education, conservation, and discovery, this house reef, along with everything it inspires, offers a journey truly worth taking.

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