Maldivian estimates that its new direct route between the Maldives and Australia will bring 11,000 tourists annually.

The national airline began its direct flights between Malé and Melbourne on Sunday.

Speaking on State media, Maldivian Financial Controller Ahmed Rameez said the decision to launch the Melbourne route followed extensive research into several international markets.

He said Melbourne was selected due to the increasing number of Australian tourists visiting the Maldives.

“In 2025, arrivals from Australia reached 40,000, which is a 17 per cent increase compared to the previous year,” Ahmed Rameez said.

He said the airline is focusing on expanding into growing tourism markets while increasing the national carrier’s market share to attract more visitors to the Maldives.

Rameez also said demand for the new route has been strong, with bookings already reaching high levels ahead of the launch.

“Our flights are already 50 per cent booked until November. The first three flights are fully booked,” he said.

He noted that the Airbus aircraft operating the route has a capacity of 264 passengers and said the first three flights alone are expected to bring around 700 travellers to the Maldives.

“If we are able to maintain these operations successfully throughout the year, we estimate around 11,000 tourist arrivals through this route annually,” he said.

He added that the increase in tourist arrivals is also expected to boost resort occupancy rates and generate additional tax revenue for the State.

The flights will operate once a week, with departures from the Maldives scheduled for Sundays and return flights from Melbourne to Malé operating on Tuesdays. The journey is expected to take approximately 11 hours.