China Southern Airlines To Reinstate Flights To The Maldives This February

Sunday 5th of February 2023

After China’s international borders opened last month, several Chinese Airlines resumed flights to the Maldives almost after a three-year hiatus. Among the airlines who are reinstating flights to the sunny destination is China Southern Airlines which announced that it will be beginning direct flights from 20th February 2023 onwards.

As of now, three weekly frequencies are scheduled between Velana International Airport (VIA), Male’ and Guangzhou, China increasing connectivity between the two points. The weekly flights will be conducted on weekdays of Monday, Wednesday and Friday and will be operated on carriers that can accommodate up to 280 passengers.

The first inaugural flight post-pandemic was made by Beijing Capital Airlines on 18th January 2023 and the boost of connectivity has already put the Chinese market among the top source markets for the destination. As of 2nd February, China resides in the 8th position in terms of arrivals after welcoming 5,985 visitors between the period 18th January to 2nd February 2023.

The Maldivian government forecasts that the resumption of air services will cater to a 10% increase in annual tourist arrival numbers during the year. Two more airlines are also scheduled to begin service to the Maldives in the near future namely, China Eastern Airlines and Hong Kong Airlines.