The national airline, Maldivian, is set to commence direct flights to Australia starting next month.

The airline stated that operations will begin on 17 May, with the return flight from Australia to the Maldives scheduled for 19 May.

The new route will operate to Melbourne, initially with one flight per week. Maldivian noted that frequencies may be increased in response to demand.

An agreement to facilitate direct air connectivity between the Maldives and Australia was signed on 19 March. On behalf of the Maldives Government, the agreement was signed by Chairman of the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority, Abdul Haris. Representing the Australian Government was Jim Wolfe, Assistant Secretary for International Aviation at the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts.

The launch comes at a time when global aviation continues to face challenges, particularly due to instability in the Middle East. Despite this, airlines have been expanding services to the Maldives, indicating sustained demand for travel to the country.