Virgin Atlantic's Flight Links London Heathrow and Maldives' Velana International Airport
Tuesday 24th of October 2023
In an exciting development for travel enthusiasts, Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) proudly announces the successful inauguration of Virgin Atlantic's direct flights between London Heathrow and Velana International Airport (VIA), Maldives.
Welcoming the inaugural flight with a touch of Maldivian culture, the aircraft touched down at VIA at 07:40 am local time. The passengers were greeted with the rhythmic beats of a traditional Maldivian Bodeberu, complemented by captivating cultural dance performances.
Operating three times a week, the service is facilitated by Virgin Atlantic's state-of-the-art Boeing 787 Dreamliner, offering a range of 31 Upper Class, 35 Premium, and 192 Economy seats, across Delight, Classic, and Light categories.
For those seeking an elevated experience, Virgin Atlantic’s Upper Class provides fully flat beds and an onboard bar, perfect for networking or enjoying a sumptuous dinner. Premium customers can luxuriate in their plush leather armchairs, relishing the generous 38” seat pitch, along with priority boarding and welcome drinks. Regardless of the chosen cabin, every passenger can relish complimentary food and beverages, access to over 300 hours of entertainment, and the warm hospitality of Virgin Atlantic’s iconic cabin crew.
Mr. Mahjoob Shujau, CEO & Managing Director of MACL, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "This inaugural flight marks a significant milestone in the enhancement of air travel connections between the United Kingdom and the Maldives. We look forward to a prosperous partnership with Virgin Atlantic as we continue to elevate the travel experience for our passengers."
Juha Jarvinen, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Atlantic, expressed his excitement, "We couldn’t be more thrilled to launch our flights between the United Kingdom and the Maldives. We are proud to be able to offer more opportunities for our customers to experience the Maldives and are looking forward to welcoming them to this breathtaking and one-of-a-kind destination.”
Caron Rohsler, British High Commissioner to Maldives, added her delight, emphasizing the importance of tourism to the Maldivian economy. She expressed hope that the new flight route would contribute to the continued growth in comfortable travel between the two countries.
The inaugural event witnessed the presence of the British High Commissioner to the Maldives, senior members of MACL, and key figures from the local agent, Voyages Maldives, making it a momentous occasion for all involved. With Virgin Atlantic's new direct route, the Maldives is more accessible than ever for UK travelers, promising unforgettable experiences in this tropical paradise.