The national airline, Maldivian, is set to bring its first wide-body aircraft to the Maldives by early January 2025, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced during an event marking the first anniversary of his Administration.

The new addition is expected to revolutionise Maldivian’s operations, enabling direct flights to far-flung destinations.

Wide-body aircraft, capable of accommodating up to 275 passengers, will significantly enhance the airline’s capacity. President Dr Muizzu stated that the wide-body fleet will operate direct routes to China and Europe, strengthening the Maldives' global connectivity.

Historically, Maldivian operated Airbus aircraft to destinations such as China and South Africa but relied on transit stops due to range limitations. The introduction of wide-body planes addresses this constraint, paving the way for non-stop long-haul flights.

Currently, Maldivian operates a fleet of 15 vessels, including one Airbus A320 and two ATR planes, with the remaining aircraft being Dash models. While the Airbus A320s are used for international travel, the wide-body addition marks a new chapter in the airline’s growth.

Maldivian serves 17 domestic destinations and operates routes to India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. With the wide-body aircraft, the airline aims to broaden its reach and elevate its role in connecting the Maldives with the rest of the world.

This development aligns with the Government’s vision to strengthen the aviation sector and boost tourism and trade links, reinforcing the Maldives’ position as a key player in the global travel industry.