Tag Archives: Maldivian

The national airline of the Maldives, Maldivian (Q2), announced the launch of a new direct flight service between Hanimaadhoo International Airport (HAQ) and Bangalore’s Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), India. This new route is set to commence on 15 May, marking an important milestone in the airline’s regional expansion strategy. This new service will provide an essential air bridge between the northern Maldives and India’s Silicon Valley.

Maldivian announced the launch of direct flights from Bangalore to Hanimaadhoo, commencing 15th May 2025. This new connection offers Indian travellers’ direct access to the pristine islands of the northern Maldives—an untouched paradise waiting to be explored. With return fares starting from just USD 337, this direct route makes it easier and more affordable than ever for Indian tourists, honeymooners, and adventure seekers to discover the Maldives beyond the traditional resorts. The northern atolls, known for their serene lagoons, local island charm, and diving hotspots, offer a more authentic and peaceful Maldivian experience. Hanimaadhoo, located in Haa Dhaalu Atoll, is home to some of the most beautiful and unspoiled islands in the country. The region is perfect for those seeking a quiet island escape, community-based tourism, and sustainable travel experiences. This direct service eliminates the need for a domestic transfer from Malé, allowing travellers to reach their destination faster and more conveniently. Whether it is a weekend getaway or a longer tropical retreat, the new route offers a convenient connection from the heart of South India to one of the Maldives’ best-kept secrets. Bookings are now open and available via Maldivian’s official website, mobile app, and travel partners across India.

Maldivian is set to start direct flights from New Delhi to Maafaru and Male’ on 21st October 2021 and will be operating A321 & A320 on this route offering both business and economy class configuration. The national carrier of Republic of Maldives, owned and operated by Island Aviation Services Limited (IAS), currently operates to Trivandrum, Cochin and to Dhaka, Bangladesh. Bird Travels, the airline management arm of Bird Group is the General Sales Agent (GSA) for Maldivian and will be managing their sales and marketing activities in New Delhi. Flights on the new route, New Delhi to Maafaru, will operate on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Maafaru International Airport located in Noonu atoll was opened in 2019 and is also managed by Island Aviation Services Limited (IAS). With three direct weekly flights to Maafaru, another international hub of the largest source market, will connect North Maldives from India. Cocooned by some of the most sought-after luxury resorts in the destination, along with a large number of guest houses, the region is home to over 10,000 tourist beds spread across four atolls making this new route a highly lucrative leisure market. Speaking on the new route, Vijay Bhatia, President, Bird Group said “We are delighted to launch this new service connecting New Delhi with Maafaru and Male’ effective 21st Oct 2021. This direct flight will offer the fastest connection for Indian travelers looking to holiday in North Maldives luxury resorts”. Bird Travels will help Maldivian to further strengthen the airline’s sales team and provide support to the Indian travel trade.

Maldivian, the National Carrier of Republic of Maldives, will start direct flights between Maafaru and Mumbai from April 13, 2021. Aishath Jennifer, Deputy Managing Director, Maldivian, shares that Indians can land at Maafaru and reach their respective resorts or guest houses in no time. “It will be very convenient if they come to Maafaru Airport, and we have four atolls with about 10,000 tourist beds in this region. With four islands in this vicinity, there is a lot of opportunity for the tourists. Unlike Male, we are asking the tourists to report to the airport only two hours prior to departure of the flight, so that they can spend more time in their resort or guest houses,” she said.

Bird Travels, the airline management service arm of Bird Group, has been appointed as the General Sales Agent in Mumbai for Maldivian – the national carrier of Republic of Maldives. The appointment is part of Maldivian’s expansion in India, which aims to strengthen the airline’s sales team and provide support to the Indian travel trade.