New Airline Routes to Watch in 2024 Across Asia and Beyond

Travelers have plenty to look forward to in 2024 and beyond as airlines roll out new routes connecting exciting destinations worldwide. With more direct flights and expanded options, getting to your next adventure has never been easier. Let’s explore some of the most anticipated airline routes that are sure to open up new travel possibilities.

Expanding Routes Across Asia

Azerbaijan Airlines: Azerbaijan Airlines launched direct flights between Baku and the Maldives on 24 November 2024. Us a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, this new route offers a convenient link between Azerbaijan and the Maldives.

Air Arabia: Starting 27 October 2024, Air Arabia began flying daily between Sharjah and the Maldives. Further improving access to this island destination.

Air France: From 20 December 2024 to 5 January 2025, Air France will run up to two weekly flights between Paris and Malé, Maldives, using the Airbus A350-900 for the holiday season.

IndiGo: Starting 21 December 2024, IndiGo will offer daily nonstop flights between Chennai and Penang, Malaysia.

Korean Air: On 24 November 2024, Korean Air introduced a fourth daily flight between Seoul and Manila. Making travel between South Korea and the Philippines more frequent.

Vietjet & Emirates: Vietjet and Emirates have expanded their code-sharing, offering easier connections between Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Dubai.

Greater Bay Airlines: In November 2024, Greater Bay Airlines launched a new three-times-a-week service between Hong Kong and Tokushima, Japan.

Air Macau: Air Macau introduced new flights between Macau and Taichung, Taiwan, and increased service to Bangkok and Guiyang.

Etihad Airways: Starting in 2025, Etihad Airways will launch ten new destinations. Including Chiang Mai, Hanoi, Hong Kong, Krabi, Medan, Phnom Penh, and Taipei. These routes will enhance connectivity between the Middle East and Asia.

Saudia: In response to growing demand, Saudia will offer six weekly flights between Jeddah and Phuket, starting December 2024.

AirAsia X: AirAsia X launched its first direct route between Kuala Lumpur and Nairobi on 15 November 2024. Marking the first connection between the capitals of Malaysia and Kenya.

New Routes Around the Globe

Airlines are expanding their global networks beyond Asia. With new routes that enhance connectivity across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, North America, and the Caribbean.

Etihad Airways: Starting in 2025, Etihad Airways will launch ten new destinations. Including Algiers, Atlanta, Tunis, Prague, Warsaw, and Al Alamein, as part of its ongoing expansion program.

Flynas: As of 4 September 2024, Flynas introduced direct flights from Jeddah to Berlin. Connecting Saudi Arabia to the German capital with three weekly services.

Royal Jordanian Airlines: In March 2025, Royal Jordanian Airlines will begin direct flights from Amman to Washington D.C. Marking its fourth direct U.S. service after New York, Chicago, and Detroit.

Turkish Airlines: Starting 28 November 2024, Turkish Airlines will launch four weekly flights from Istanbul to Sydney, with a stopover in Kuala Lumpur. This move strengthens its presence in Australia and sets the stage for future nonstop service.

United Airlines: United Airlines made history in October 2024 with its Newark-Marrakech route. Linking the Moroccan city to the U.S. for the first time.

Wizz Air: Wizz Air will introduce a new daily route between London and Jeddah starting 31 March 2025. Offering an ultra-low-cost option for travelers between these cities.

American Airlines & Delta Air Lines: Both American and Delta Air Lines added new Caribbean routes in November 2024. American now flies from New York JFK to Barbados. While Delta launched service from Atlanta to Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic.

JetBlue Airways: JetBlue Airways introduced a new flight to the Caribbean. Flying to Bonaire from New York JFK, starting 5 November 2024.

The Journey Continues

The expanding airline routes in 2024 and beyond, highlight the increasing demand for international travel, offering more convenience and choice. Whether you are planning a trip to the Maldives, connecting through key Asian hubs, or flying to destinations in Europe and Australia. These new routes offer more opportunities to explore the world.

Which new airline routes are you most excited to try in 2024? With so many options, now is the perfect time to start planning your next adventure.

Tourism Promotion with Liverpool FC: A Landmark Partnership

One of the standout moments this week was, without a doubt, the official launch of the Maldives’ tourism promotion campaign in partnership with Liverpool Football Club (LFC). President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, joined by Minister of Tourism and Environment Thoriq Ibrahim, attended the Merseyside Derby between Liverpool FC and Everton, marking the global debut of this exciting collaboration. The Maldives Marketing & Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) has, in fact, worked alongside LFC to run a co-branded tourism campaign across the UK, aiming to attract high-value travelers to the Maldives. Specifically, the campaign includes extensive outdoor and digital advertisements in prime locations like the London Underground, airports, and major billboards across Europe, promising the Maldives significant exposure in international markets.

Advancing Climate Action: Maldives Sets Example with Transparency and Sustainability

In line with its commitment to environmental sustainability, the Maldives also focused on climate action this week. Notably, the Ministry of Tourism and Environment is currently undergoing a technical expert review of the nation’s first Biennial Transparency Report (BTR), submitted as part of the Paris Agreement’s Enhanced Transparency Framework. This review will, in turn, assess the country’s efforts in managing greenhouse gas emissions and climate change impacts. Ultimately, this review process demonstrates the Maldives’ dedication to global climate action, reinforcing the country’s reputation as a leader in sustainable tourism and environmental stewardship.

Renewable Energy Progress: A Step Toward Sustainable Tourism

In a related effort to promote sustainability, the Ministry has signed an agreement to install 38 MWh of Battery Energy Storage Systems across 18 islands. This initiative, backed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), is a significant step toward increasing the use of solar energy in the Maldives, thereby helping to reduce reliance on costly diesel fuel. Furthermore, this project is expected to not only save millions in fuel costs but also support the Maldives’ broader goals of becoming more environmentally resilient, ultimately further enhancing its appeal as an eco-conscious tourist destination.

Strengthening International Relations and Local Industry Development

Minister Thoriq Ibrahim met with officials from Pakistan to discuss cooperative efforts in waste management, a critical issue for the archipelago’s scattered islands. Additionally, the Minister welcomed Japan’s newly appointed Ambassador, Mrs. Ishigami Rumiko, to discuss climate mitigation, waste management, and energy transition, thus demonstrating the Maldives’ commitment to fostering strong international partnerships.

Moreover, Minister Ibrahim also met with the Maldives Association of HR Professionals to explore opportunities for developing the tourism workforce, ensuring that the Maldives can continue offering exceptional service to visitors. These discussions are, indeed, crucial for strengthening the Maldives’ tourism industry and its global competitiveness.

Looking Ahead

With a continued focus on sustainable tourism, international collaborations, and workforce development, the Maldives is positioning itself for long-term success in the global tourism market. The nation’s commitment to environmental stewardship, alongside initiatives like the partnership with Liverpool FC, will undoubtedly ensure it remains a top destination for travelers worldwide.

New Airline Routes to Watch in 2024 Across Asia and Beyond

Expanding Routes Across Asia

New Routes Around the Globe

The Journey Continues

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