Planning your next island getaway abroad? Maldives seems like your best bet these days as more local airlines are offering direct flights to the South Asian destination. Recently, Malaysia Airlines launched its daily flight – MH485 – to Maldives from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (Terminal 1). The "inaugural" flight, operated by the Boeing 737-800, reached the Velana International Airport at the Male Atoll at around 11am, carrying 174 passengers.
Malaysia Airlines last offered direct flights to the Maldives in 2017. The island is the company’s 13th destination in South Asia, and one of many new routes it has introduced in the past few years. This year alone, the airline announced three new routes: Maldives, Chiang Mai in Thailand (Aug 15), and Danang in Vietnam (Sept 24).
Chief executive officer of airlines from the Malaysian Aviation Group (MAG) Ahmad Luqman Mohd Azmi said in a statement: “We are thrilled to be flying back to Maldives, which enhances our strategic vision of connecting travellers to some of the world’s most captivating destinations. By offering direct flights to the Maldives, we aim to position Malaysia Airlines as the top choice for those seeking both luxury and cultural richness. It also signifies a strategic initiative to solidify our standing in the luxury travel segment, showcasing our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of discerning travellers and strengthening our competitive edge in the market.
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