Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is set to enhance its flight operations to the Maldives, responding to the burgeoning demand from travelers.
As the first airline to resume operations when the Maldives reopened its borders after the COVID-19 pandemic, Etihad Airways began its flights to the Maldives on July 18, 2020.
Presently, the airline offers a weekly frequency of seven flights to this tropical destination. However, with the aim of meeting the growing interest from travelers, Etihad Airways is embarking on a significant expansion of its services. Commencing from December 1, the airline will introduce an additional three flights, followed by an increment of four more flights starting January 1, 2024. This strategic approach will culminate in a robust total of 14 weekly flights connecting the Maldives by the dawn of the forthcoming year.
Prior to the pandemic, Etihad Airways operated two flights per week to the Maldives. Yet, in light of the surging demand witnessed, the airline has judiciously heightened its flight frequency to align with evolving travel patterns.
This strategic move by Etihad Airways aligns harmoniously with the broader context of tourism in the Maldives. The Ministry of Tourism has reported that over 1.1 million tourists have graced the Maldivian shores as of August 15, reaffirming the nation’s allure as a premier travel destination. In line with this momentum, the Maldivian government’s ambitious target for the year is to attract a total of 1.9 million tourists. The evident success and sustained growth of the Maldivian tourism sector have undoubtedly contributed to airlines, including Etihad Airways, optimizing their services to accommodate this upsurge in visitor interest.
