Sichuan Airlines has officially resumed flights to the Maldives after seven years. The airline's last flight to Maldives was operated on 23rd March 2016.
The resumption flight, carrying 186 passengers, landed at Velana International Airport at 6:05 pm Tuesday, where it was welcomed with a special water salute.
Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) said the resumption of flights signifies a "pivotal moment for the country's tourism industry."
Sichuan Airlines will operate three weekly flights, bridging the gap between Chengdu and Maldives. This move adds to the existing Chinese airlines operating flights to the Maldives, including Beijing Capital, which operates weekly charter flights, and China Eastern, offering weekly scheduled flights every Saturday.
Since the reopening of China's borders earlier this year, Chinese tourists have been consistently increasing, now ranking as the fourth largest source market for the Maldives.
Meanwhile, Virgin Atlantic is set to start operations between London and Heathrow Airport in October, further expanding the connectivity options.
Currently, more than 40 airlines operate in the Maldives, connecting the country to over 30 destinations worldwide.
