SINGAPORE, 10 March 2025 – The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/Visit Maldives) revealed at last week’s ITB Berlin 2025 seminar that Maldivian, the nation’s flagship carrier, will introduce direct flights from Male’s Valena International Airport (MLE) to Germany starting in October. This development follows the arrival of the airline’s second A330-200 aircraft, a 270-seat plane scheduled for delivery that month, and was described as an “exciting announcement” for boosting tourism ties between the two nations.
The new route aims to cater to the rising demand from German travelers while fostering stronger cultural and economic connections. MMPRC CEO & Managing Director Ibrahim Shiuree emphasized the broader vision, stating, “The Maldives has held the title of World’s Leading Destination for five years running. Our mission is to solidify this standing through innovation, sustainability, and cultural tourism, keeping the Maldives a top global choice.” Though specific flight details are pending, Maldivian is expected to offer twice-weekly services. Frankfurt, already linked to the Maldives by Condor (owned by British firm Attestor) and Lufthansa Group’s Discover via weekly flights, is a likely candidate for the new route. If chosen, Maldivian would need interline agreements with German airlines to facilitate connections to other cities in Germany and nearby countries. Alternatively, Munich International Airport, which lacks direct Maldives flights from competing carriers, presents another viable option.
The announcement took center stage at the MMPRC seminar titled “The Next Chapter of Maldives Tourism,” attended by German and international travel trade representatives. The event showcased insights from key figures in Maldives tourism, including Minister of Tourism and Environment Thoriq Ibrahim. He highlighted the government’s role, saying, “We’re focused on creating an investment-friendly environment for tourism. Today’s visitors differ from those of past decades, and we must leverage technology to ensure a resilient, competitive, and future-ready industry.” The seminar also covered sustainable practices and marketing strategies aimed at attracting diverse travelers.
Maldivian’s first A330-200, delivered in January 2025, is already operational, serving three Chinese cities—Beijing (Thursdays), Chengdu (Wednesdays), and Shanghai (Mondays)—with one weekly flight each. At ITB Berlin 2025, MMPRC led a robust delegation of 200 stakeholders from 89 companies, reinforcing the Maldives’ appeal to German-speaking markets and beyond as a premier holiday destination.