The inaugural service, operated by Maldivian’s Airbus A330, establishes the first direct air link between Australia and the Maldives, providing travellers with a more convenient and seamless journey between the two destinations.
IASL
Maldivian, the national airline of the Maldives, in partnership with Luxury Escapes Australia, has today marked a historic milestone with the launch of the first-ever direct flight service between Melbourne, Australia and Malé, Maldives, further strengthening connectivity between the two nations and opening a new chapter in bilateral tourism and travel relations.
The inaugural service, operated by Maldivian’s Airbus A330, establishes the first direct air link between Australia and the Maldives, providing travellers with a more convenient and seamless journey between the two destinations. A total of 230 passengers arrived on the historic inaugural flight, underscoring strong demand and enthusiasm for this new connection. The new route is expected to significantly enhance tourism opportunities, improve accessibility, and support growing people-to-people connections, while offering Australian travellers easier access to the Maldives. Australia has consistently remained one of the top 10 tourism source markets for the Maldives, with approximately 40,000 tourists visiting annually.
With the introduction of direct connectivity, arrivals from the Australian market are forecasted to increase by more than 20percent, further strengthening tourism growth and economic impact. The historic arrival was commemorated with a ceremonial water salute at Velana International Airport, alongside a series of special welcome activities reflecting true Maldivian hospitality. The event was graced by the Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation of the Maldives, Captain Mohamed Ameen, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ms Iruthisham Adam, the Non-Resident High Commissioner of the Maldives to Australia, Mr Mohamed Luveiz and the High Commissioner of Australia to the Maldives, Mr David Jessup, along with senior officials and industry stakeholders. Passengers arriving on the inaugural flight were greeted with commemorative gifts and cultural welcomes, celebrating the significance of the occasion.
This historic milestone was made possible through the strong support and collaboration of numerous partners, including the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Visit Maldives Corporation, the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority, the Maldives Airports Company Limited, resort partners and other key stakeholders in the aviation and tourism ecosystem, whose contributions were instrumental in enabling the successful launch of this landmark route.
This inaugural direct flight between Melbourne and Malé represents a defining moment for Maldivian and the Maldives’ aviation and tourism industry. The launch of this service not only strengthens connectivity between the Maldives and Australia but also creates new opportunities for tourism, trade, and stronger bilateral relations between both nations.
In support of the new route, Maldivian and Visit Maldives Corporation (VMC) are jointly conducting a dedicated integrated destination marketing campaign aimed at promoting the Maldives across the Australian market. The campaign focuses on increasing destination awareness, strengthening market presence, and positioning the Maldives as a premier travel destination for Australian travellers through a range of coordinated promotional initiatives and partnerships. The launch of the Melbourne–Malé route reflects Maldivian’s continued commitment to expanding its international network, enhancing passenger convenience, and positioning the Maldives as an even more accessible destination for travellers from key global markets.
