Malaysia Airlines resumes direct flights to Maldives

Aug 3, 2024, 6:56 AM

Malaysia Airlines has resumed direct flights to Maldives after four years.

Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen and Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) Managing Director Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed welcomed the Malaysian Airlines flight at the Velana International Airport (VIA) on Thursday.

Malaysian Aviation Group CEO Ahmad Luqman Mohamed Azmi said the resumption of flights to Maldives is an important step in Malaysia Airlines' efforts to connect the world.

Malaysia Airlines flights to Maldives will make it easier for Malaysian tourists to visit the Maldives. More than 13,000 Malaysian tourists visited Maldives last year.

Malaysia Airlines last operated direct flights to Maldives in 2019.

Maldives is the 13th country Malaysia Airlines has launched flights to in South Asia. The airline is preparing to launch flights to other countries.

The airline will also launch flights to Chiang Mai, Thailand on August 15 and Da Nang, Vietnam on September 24.

Malaysia Velana International Airport Air Transport MACL Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen

Comments

Firaq urges monetization of existing airports over new projects

Jul 16

Debt-ridden Island Aviation launches employee housing project

Jul 11

Double murder suspect was intercepted at VIA and deported

Jul 6

Bestinet expat system remains in testing phase a year after deadline

Jul 4

Latest News

Maldivian bolsters luxury tourism with new King Air 360 aircraft

Maldivian has acquired a luxury King Air 360 aircraft to provide high-end transport for resort guests. Launched in partnership with Nilaa Coral Island, the eight-seat plane features a pressurized cabin and night-flight capabilities. While primarily serving the new resort, the aircraft is also available for private charters nationwide.

Government workforce increased by 6500 in three years

The government workforce grew by 6,530 employees over the last three years, reaching a total of 55,466. This rapid recruitment has driven the national wage bill to a projected MVR 14.4 billion for next year. The current administration's hiring rate significantly outpaces the previous three-year period.

Government to provide guarantee for BML sukuk

The Maldives government will provide a sovereign guarantee for BML’s $300 million sukuk to fund northern resort development. This move raises the state's guaranteed debt target to 15% of GDP. The initiative aims to boost tourism, expand the banking sector, and address dollar liquidity challenges without funding the state budget.

MVR 12.6 billion spent on SOEs over three years

The state injected MVR 12.6 billion into State-Owned Enterprises over three years, exceeding initial budgets by MVR 7.1 billion. While spending peaked last year at MVR 6.2 billion, the Finance Ministry projects a decrease to MVR 1.98 billion next year. Efforts are underway to streamline operations and reduce these consistent overruns.

Dhiraagu opens EliteClub+ loyalty program to all customers

Dhiraagu has expanded its EliteClub+ loyalty program to all mobile customers, offering tiered rewards and discounts at over 100 outlets. Users can earn points through bill payments and recharges to unlock benefits like free data and gift cards. New members receive a 100-point welcome bonus by signing up via the Dhiraagu App.

Maldives fisheries could plummet by 75 percent

A new study warns that climate change could reduce Maldivian fish stocks by 75% by 2100 as rising temperatures drive fish to cooler waters. Local fishermen already report traveling much further offshore to find catches. Experts caution against switching to industrial netting, as it could further deplete stocks and damage the nation's reputation.

Budget 2027: Domestic debt projected to surpass MVR 100 billion

The Maldives' domestic debt is projected to exceed MVR 100 billion by the end of this year, driven by heavy reliance on the domestic market for financing. Government estimates show debt rising to MVR 108.1 billion by late 2025. This year marks the highest borrowing period for the current administration to meet its fiscal needs.

Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox