The national airline, Maldivian, is set to commence direct flights between the Maldives and Australia, making it the first time a direct air connection has been established between the two countries.

According to Maldivian, the seasonal direct flights will be operated from Melbourne, Australia, in collaboration with leading Australian travel company Luxury Escapes. The service is scheduled to begin on 17 May 2026 and will operate once a week.

The airline said the introduction of direct flights represents a significant milestone for Maldivian and is expected to further strengthen tourism and travel links between the Maldives and Australia. Maldivian also noted that the new service will allow passengers to connect seamlessly to destinations across the Maldives through the airline’s domestic flight and seaplane network, enabling easier travel to resorts and inhabited islands throughout the country.

Commenting on the launch, Managing Director of Maldivian said Australia remains an important market for Maldivian tourism and that the direct flights are expected to contribute to an increase in tourist arrivals from the country.

Tourism figures show that a total of 40,490 Australian tourists have visited the Maldives so far this year, representing a 13 per cent increase compared to the 35,818 arrivals recorded by the end of 2024. Australia is currently ranked among the top ten source markets for tourist arrivals to the Maldives.