Maldivian, the national airline of the Maldives, will commence wide-body aircraft operations in January, marking a significant milestone in its history. President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu made the announcement during a ceremony celebrating the first year of his administration.
Maldivian, established in 2000, has primarily focused on domestic routes and regional international flights. Its fleet, which currently includes 15 aircraft, is dominated by Dash models, alongside an Airbus A320 and two ATR aircraft. The A320 is currently the only plane used for international operations, flying to destinations in India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.
The addition of wide-body aircraft, with a seating capacity of 275 passengers, will enable Maldivian to operate direct long-haul flights to destinations in China, South Africa, and Europe. This expansion builds on the airline’s earlier efforts to fly to China and South Africa using Airbus aircraft, though these required transit stops due to range limitations.
Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen confirmed that Maldivian plans to add two wide-body aircraft within six months, supporting routes to seven new cities. Over the next year, the airline aims to significantly broaden its international network, offering greater connectivity and enhancing its role as a key player in Maldives’ tourism-driven economy.
