The national Airline of Maldives; Maldivian has launched direct flights to three major cities in China—Chengdu, Beijing, and Shanghai. This expansion of the airline’s international network follows the addition of the Airbus A330-200, Maldivian’s first wide-body aircraft. As a result, the new routes will begin in January 2025, with the first flight to Chengdu scheduled for 22 January, followed by Beijing on 24 January, and Shanghai on 27 January.

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Ismail Amrah Umar, Chief Commercial Officer of Maldivian Airlines, commented on the expansion:

“The launch of these direct flights to China represents a significant achievement in our expansion strategy. By connecting the Maldives directly with three major Chinese cities, we are not only enhancing accessibility for Chinese tourists but also strengthening the cultural and economic ties between our nations.”

The Airbus A330-200, which carries up to 260 passengers across Business, Premium Economy, and Economy classes, will operate these flights. Additionally, the aircraft offers a 10-tonne cargo capacity, which further supports the airline’s expanding operations. Consequently, the new aircraft enables Maldivian to enhance its service offerings and reach even more destinations.

Celebrating the Launch with Special Promotional Fares

To celebrate the new routes, Maldivian is offering special promotional fares. These are as follows:

• Male’-Chengdu: USD 688 return
• Male’-Beijing: USD 788 return
• Male’-Shanghai: USD 777 return

These promotional fares include a 40 kg baggage allowance and are valid for travel from 22 January to 4 February 2025, depending on the destination. Therefore, passengers can take advantage of these limited-time offers to explore China’s most vibrant cities.

This expansion of Maldivian’s international network will play a crucial role in attracting more visitors to the Maldives, particularly given the long-standing popularity of the destination among Chinese travelers. Additionally, it will benefit the country’s economy, as tourism remains a key sector in the nation’s growth. Moreover, the new routes are expected to further strengthen the Maldives’ position as a leading tourist destination in the region.

With these new routes and the Airbus A330-200, Maldivian strengthens its position as a key player in the region’s aviation industry. As a result, the airline continues to offer more travel options for international passengers, ensuring seamless connections between the Maldives and major global cities.