Maldivian, the national airline of the Maldives, has taken a significant step in strengthening economic and tourism ties with China by launching direct flights to key Chinese cities. With the introduction of its first wide-body aircraft, the Airbus A330-200, Maldivian has expanded its international reach, enhancing connectivity between the two nations.
China has historically been one of the Maldives' largest tourism markets, and the resumption of direct flights is expected to drive a surge in visitor arrivals. The new routes to Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu offer improved accessibility, making it easier for Chinese travelers to explore the Maldives' world-renowned island resorts.
Inaugural Flight to Chengdu
On January 23, 2025, Maldivian's Airbus A330-200 completed its inaugural flight from Chengdu to Malé, carrying 192 passengers and 10 tonnes of cargo. Among the passengers, 172 were tourists, highlighting the strong demand for direct connectivity between China and the Maldives.
Inaugural Flight to Beijing
Following the Chengdu launch, Maldivian commenced its direct service to Beijing. The inaugural flight carried a mix of passengers, including Chinese tourists returning home. The first passenger to check in received a special welcome, underscoring the airline's commitment to exceptional service. The flight returned Velana International Airpiort accompanying 252 tourists.
Inaugural Flight to Shanghai
The inaugural flight to Shanghai is scheduled for January 27, 2025. While specific passenger numbers for this flight are not yet available, the airline anticipates strong demand based on the success of the previous launches.
Combining the available data, Maldivian's inaugural flights to Chengdu and Beijing have collectively transported a significant number of tourists, bolstering the Maldives' tourism sector. The upcoming Shanghai flight is expected to further contribute to this positive trend.
The Airbus A330-200 utilized for these routes features a three-class configuration, accommodating 264 passengers across business, premium economy, and economy classes. Maldivian plans to introduce another Airbus A330 later this year to expand its route network, including direct flights to European cities.
These developments underscore Maldivian's strategic commitment to enhancing international connectivity and strengthening tourism ties with key markets.
In addition to this, as of January 29, 2025, a total of 200,241 visitors had arrived, with China leading the market by contributing 31,388 tourists, accounting for 15.7% of the total arrivals.
Beyond tourism, the enhanced connectivity is also set to boost trade and investment opportunities. Strengthening bilateral relations through aviation is expected to facilitate business engagements, attract Chinese investments in the Maldivian economy, and promote cultural exchanges.
As the Maldives continues to position itself as a top destination for global travellers, Maldivian’s expansion reinforces its role in supporting the nation’s economic growth and fostering closer ties with China.