The national airline, Maldivian, has launched direct flights between Malé and Melbourne, Australia.

This marks the first time direct air services have been operated between the Maldives and Australia. The flights, considered a major milestone in the Maldives’ aviation history, are being operated using Maldivian’s Airbus A330 aircraft.

The inaugural flight has departed from the Maldives en route to Melbourne.

Maldivian said the route will initially operate once a week as part of a six-month trial period.

The airline described the launch of direct flights to Australia as more than just the introduction of a new destination, stating that it reflects the growing capability of the national airline.

Previously, passengers travelling between the Maldives and Australia were required to transit through other countries, with journeys often taking more than 20 hours. With the introduction of the direct service, travel time is expected to be reduced to around 11 hours.

The airline has stated that it is expecting 11,000 tourists a year from this route.