The Maldives and Russia have held discussions on strengthening transport links and increasing the number of flights between the two countries.
The discussions took place during a meeting between Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen and Russian Federation State Secretary and Deputy Minister of Transport Dmitry Zverev in Moscow, as part of Minister Ameen’s ongoing visit to Russia.
The meeting covered a broad range of measures to expand air connectivity and increase the number of flights operating between the Maldives and Russia.
Minister Ameen described the discussions as significant and expressed hope that they would lead to an increase in flight frequencies between the two countries. He said increasing air connectivity would also be an important step towards attracting more tourists to the Maldives.
Tourism statistics for the first five months of this year show that Russian tourists accounted for 13 per cent of arrivals to the Maldives, representing a 21 per cent increase compared with the same period last year.
More than 130,000 Russian tourists have visited the Maldives so far this year. Russia currently ranks as the Maldives’ second-largest source market for tourist arrivals.
Tourism accounts for a significant share of the Maldives’ revenue. Relevant ministries and companies continue to undertake efforts to market the Maldives internationally and attract tourists from different parts of the world.
New airlines to VIA to be explored during Russia visit
Efforts to bring additional airlines to Velana International Airport (VIA) will also form part of discussions during the ongoing visit to Russia, Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has said.
MACL is participating in the high-level Government delegation visiting Moscow and St Petersburg from 17 to 21 August. The delegation includes Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen and officials from the Ministry, along with representatives from Visit Maldives Corporation, MACL, Maldivian, Resort Life Travel, Intour Maldives and private tourism companies.
As part of the visit, the delegation will meet government authorities, airlines, tour operators and travel trade representatives in both cities, with discussions also focusing on strengthening the Maldives’ presence in the Russian market and working more closely with partners promoting the destination.
MACL said it will engage with airlines currently operating to VIA as well as prospective carriers. Discussions will explore increasing flight frequency and capacity, maintaining year-round services and introducing new direct routes to VIA.
The company will also engage with tour operators and travel companies to identify areas of growing demand and explore how additional airline capacity could be supported through destination promotion and travel packages.
MACL said the Russia visit follows a similar visit by a Maldivian delegation to China in July 2026 as part of efforts to increase arrivals from key international markets and expand air connectivity in line with demand.