Hong Kong Airlines Resumes Direct Flights to Maldives

Hong Kong Airlines has resumed direct flights to the Maldives after a pandemic hiatus. The inaugural flight landed at Velana International Airport on Friday evening with 209 passengers. The airline will operate A330 aircraft thrice weekly (Wednesday, Friday, Sunday). This aligns with the Maldives government's goal to restore China as the top tourism source market. As of January 16, 5,821 Chinese tourists had arrived in 2024. In 2023, China was the third-largest market with 187,118 tourists (10% share). Chinese Ambassador Wang Lixin announced charter flights from February 14, with potential commercial flights if demand increases. Hong Kong Airlines first launched flights in 2011 as charters, began scheduled service in 2018, and suspended in 2019 due to COVID-19.

Hong Kong Airlines has resumed direct flights to the Maldives after a pandemic hiatus. The inaugural flight landed at Velana International Airport on Friday evening with 209 passengers. The airline will operate A330 aircraft thrice weekly (Wednesday, Friday, Sunday). This aligns with the Maldives government's goal to restore China as the top tourism source market. As of January 16, 5,821 Chinese tourists had arrived in 2024. In 2023, China was the third-largest market with 187,118 tourists (10% share). Chinese Ambassador Wang Lixin announced charter flights from February 14, with potential commercial flights if demand increases. Hong Kong Airlines first launched flights in 2011 as charters, began scheduled service in 2018, and suspended in 2019 due to COVID-19.

Hong Kong Airlines has resumed direct flights to the Maldives after a pandemic hiatus. The inaugural flight landed at Velana International Airport on Friday evening with 209 passengers. The airline will operate A330 aircraft thrice weekly (Wednesday, Friday, Sunday). This aligns with the Maldives government's goal to restore China as the top tourism source market. As of January 16, 5,821 Chinese tourists had arrived in 2024. In 2023, China was the third-largest market with 187,118 tourists (10% share). Chinese Ambassador Wang Lixin announced charter flights from February 14, with potential commercial flights if demand increases. Hong Kong Airlines first launched flights in 2011 as charters, began scheduled service in 2018, and suspended in 2019 due to COVID-19.

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