In a significant step toward boosting tourism ties, Azerbaijan Airlines has officially launched direct flights between Baku and the Maldives’ Velana International Airport. The inaugural flight touched down at 9:45 a.m. yesterday, marking the beginning of a new air route between the two countries.
The new service is expected to strengthen transportation links and provide Azerbaijani tourists with a direct and convenient option for travel to the Maldives, especially during the winter tourism season. Mohamad Mihad, Chief Commercial Officer of Maldives Airports Company Ltd. (MACL), noted that this new route will enhance connectivity and improve the travel experience for tourists from Azerbaijan visiting the Maldives.
Azerbaijan Airlines, known for its expanding international network, will operate two weekly flights on this route using the Airbus B787E, a wide-body aircraft well-suited for long-haul travel. Jamil Manizade, Chief Commercial Officer of Azerbaijan Airlines, emphasized the appeal of the Maldives as a winter destination for Azerbaijani travelers, expressing optimism that the new direct flights would meet a growing demand among holidaymakers.
The addition of these flights is anticipated to further strengthen the Maldives’ position as a premier global tourism destination and attract more visitors from Azerbaijan and surrounding regions. The Maldives has been actively working to diversify its tourism markets, and this direct air connection represents a valuable addition to its transport links with the broader Eurasian region.
