Saudi Arabia’s largest low-cost airline, Flynas is preparing to begin flights next month, according to Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen.
Minister Ameen explained that due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, several airlines that operate flights to the Maldives had temporarily suspended services. In response, the government has been working to bring in additional airlines from other markets.
Speaking at a press conference held at the President’s Office, Minister Ameen said that although around 18 to 19 flights were previously cancelled due to the situation in the Middle East, services by Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad Airways have now resumed. In addition, Flydubai and Air Arabia flights have also restarted.
The minister noted that the impact of the Middle East conflict is not limited to the Maldives alone but is being felt by other nations as well. However, comparatively, the Maldives is seeing an increase in both tourism and the number of airlines operating to the country.
He further stated that Aeroflot and Turkish Airlines have increased their flight frequencies, while airlines such as Beond and Flynas have also decided to commence operations. Flynas is scheduled to begin flights to the Maldives on the 3rd of May.
“As an additional carrier, Flynas is preparing to start operations from Riyadh beginning on May 3. Meanwhile, Beond’s charter programme is expected to begin in August,” Minister Ameen said.
Currently, the majority of airlines operating to the Maldives are from the Asian region, with 16 Asian airlines flying to the country. This is followed by 13 European airlines and 6 airlines from the Middle East.