Australians can now fly directly to the Maldives for the first time, with the launch of a new non-stop service between Melbourne and Malé operated by Maldivian Airlines in partnership with Luxury Escapes.
The inaugural weekly flight departed Melbourne Airport on the evening of May 18, marking a major milestone for Australian travellers heading to the Indian Ocean paradise.
To celebrate the launch, Luxury Escapes released 100 return Economy flights for just $100 including taxes, available when booked with an eligible Maldives accommodation package.
Luxury Escapes CEO and Co-Founder Adam Schwab said the new route removes one of the biggest barriers Australians faced when travelling to the Maldives.
“The Maldives has long been a bucket-list destination for Australian travellers, but the time and complexity of travelling via a transit in Singapore or the Middle East had been a major deterrent,” Schwab said.
“With great support from Melbourne Airport and in partnership with the national carrier of the Maldives, we’ve been able to unlock a direct route and package it with exceptional value across a range of resorts, from ultra-luxury romantic escapes to family-friendly options.”
Schwab added that the easier access could transform the Maldives into a mainstream holiday choice for Australians.
“All of this combined will position the Maldives as the new Mediterranean for Aussie travellers,” he said.
The inaugural service carried 264 passengers on the 11-hour journey to Velana International Airport aboard an Airbus A330-200 aircraft featuring Business and Economy cabins, along with Economy Plus extra legroom seating.
Lorie Argus, Chief Executive Officer of Melbourne Airport, said the route would dramatically reduce travel times for Australians heading to the Maldives.
“By eliminating the need to transit through a hub in Asia or the Middle East, this service will cut nine to 10 hours of travel time out of the journey to the Maldives,” Argus said.
“For the first time ever in Australia, you’ll be able to jump on a flight in the evening and wake up in the Maldives the next morning.”
Maldivian Captain Mohamed Sunoosy described the launch as a historic moment for aviation links between the two countries.
“Today, we do not just launch a route. We write the first line of a new chapter in aviation history between the Maldives and Australia,” Sunoosy said.
Luxury Escapes is offering Maldives holiday packages including flights and five nights’ accommodation from $2,399 per person, while standalone Economy return fares start from $1,379.
Passengers travelling on the overnight service will receive a late-night supper followed by breakfast before arriving in Malé in time for onward resort transfers by seaplane or speedboat.
