Maldivian is set to launch direct flights to Melbourne, Australia for the first time, according to Island Aviation Services Limited, which operates the national airline.
The airline said the inaugural flight will depart the Maldives on 17 May and return on 19 May. Services are scheduled to operate weekly, with adjustments to be made based on passenger demand.
The move follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on 19 March to establish direct air connectivity between the Maldives and Australia. The agreement was signed by Maldives Civil Aviation Authority Chairman Abdul Haris and Australia’s Assistant Secretary for International Aviation, Jim Wolf.
The government said the initiative forms part of efforts to strengthen bilateral air service agreements and expand international connectivity.
Tourism figures show that 6,526 visitors from Australia travelled to the Maldives in the first two months of this year, representing a 1.4 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2025.