Maldives to Suspend Tourists Travelling from India

The Maldives’ Health Protection Agency has decided to suspend tourists travelling to the Maldives from India. Effective from 27th April 2021, tourists arriving from India will no longer be allowed to stay at tourist facilities in inhabited islands.

Travel Advisory for those travelling to and from India.

Read more: https://t.co/6xz5YIqhuL pic.twitter.com/fhmj96gFOS
— Maldives Immigration (@ImmigrationMV) April 25, 2021

This decision will put a strain on the Maldives’ recovering tourism industry as India is currently the biggest tourist source market in terms of arrivals. According to the latest statistics from the Maldives’ Ministry of tourism, Maldives recorded over 83,289 tourists from India by 21st April 2021.

The Maldives’ declaration to suspend tourists travelling from India comes as the country faces a giant surge in COVID-19 cases. The Maldives’ neighbouring country recorded a whopping 349,691 positive cases of COVID-19 yesterday. Reports reveal that patients have died from a lack of oxygen.

The Guardian reports that almost 1.6 million cases have been registered in a week, bringing total cases to more than 15 million and n the space of just 12 days, the Covid positivity rate doubled to 17%, while in Delhi it hit 30%.

Since the Maldives reopened its borders in 2020, India remains as the biggest source market in terms of tourist arrivals. In 2019, India was the fastest-growing tourist market and became the leading market in 2020. In 2020, Maldives recorded 62,960 tourist arrivals from India.

Several airlines from India are operating regular flights to the Maldives. Budget airlines including GoAir and IndiGo operate frequent flights between the two countries.

Over the past months, countless celebrities from India have visited the Maldives and made headlines. While many dubbed the Maldives as the ‘New Goa’, celebrities are also facing backlash for choosing to holiday during the pandemic.

Maldives and India maintain close bilateral relations. Hence, the two countries have been friendly and close in strategic, economic and military cooperation. In addition to the innumerable financial contributions, India has also donated 200,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to the Maldives.

Feature image by Velana International Airport

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.

Maldives to Suspend Tourists Travelling from India

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