Gulf Air and BeOnd have announced plans to launch flight services connecting the Maldives with eight European cities as part of an expanded travel network for the upcoming winter seasons.

Under the partnership, the two airlines will begin operating flights to the Maldives during this year’s and next year’s winter schedules.

All services will utilise BeOnd’s premium aircraft configured with full lie-flat seating. Customers will also be able to access the services through Gulf Air’s codeshare and loyalty programme arrangements.

The expanded network will allow Gulf Air passengers to connect to Maldives-bound flights through Bahrain International Airport and the airline’s global distribution system.

The airlines noted that the partnership is expected to strengthen Bahrain’s role as a regional aviation hub while extending Gulf Air’s premium long-haul offerings to leisure destinations.

As part of the winter schedule, daily flights from Bahrain to the Maldives will be operated alongside onward connections to several European destinations, including Paris, London, Zurich, Moscow, Milan and Rome.

The airlines also plan to further expand the network during the 2027 winter season with additional routes to Malaga in Spain, Nice in France, and Geneva in Switzerland.

BeOnd stated that the expansion reflects changing seasonal travel demand, with more travellers from Europe seeking warm-weather destinations during the winter months.

While Maldives services will continue throughout the year, the frequency of European routes will be adjusted based on seasonal demand.

The Maldives remains one of the most popular winter destinations among travellers from Gulf countries and Europe. The new flight network is expected to significantly increase tourist arrivals from those markets.