Emirates, one of the two flag carrier airlines of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Maldivian, the Maldives’ national carrier, have formed an interline partnership, enabling Emirates customers direct access to 16 popular holiday destinations in the Maldives, Maldivian announced in a press release on Thursday.
Interlining agreements between airlines facilitate the sale of tickets and services on each other’s routes by the partnering airlines for passengers with itineraries that involve multiple flights. This interline partnership will enable Emirates customers travelling to the Maldives to use the services and networks of both carriers with a single ticket.
Emirates customers can now choose to arrive, via a single booking, at any one of Maldivian’s popular local destinations closest to their island getaway in the Maldives, with a changeover at Velana International Airport (VIA); including to Dharavandhoo Island (DRV), Faresmathoda Airport (FMT), Funadhoo Airport (FND), Fuvahmulak Island Airport (FVM), Gan Island International (GAN), Kooddoo Island (GKK), Hanimaadhoo Island Airport (HAQ), Kulhudhuffushi Airport (HDK), Hoarafushi Airport (HRF), Kaadedhdhoo Island Airport (KDM), Kadhdhoo Island (KDO), Madivaru Airport (LMV), Maafaru International Airport (NMF), Maavarulu Airport (RUL), Thimarafushi Airport (TMF), and Ifuru (IFU).
From 15 September, travellers can book their itineraries on emirates.com, the Emirates mobile app, or through preferred travel agents, Maldivian said.
Emirates commenced operations to Malé in 1987 and now operates 28 flights a week between Dubai and the Maldives. The airline has a workforce representing over 160 nations and operates the world’s largest fleet of wide-body Boeing 777 and Airbus A380 aircraft. Emirates operates to 161 destinations in 85 countries across six continents from its hub in Dubai.
Maldivian is the Maldives’ leading domestic carrier, with a scheduled network comprising 16 domestic sectors. Maldivian operates the largest wheel-based fleet in the country, which includes DeHavilland Dash 8 and ATR aircraft. Maldivian Seaplane, which consists of DeHavilland DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft, provides specialised tourist air transportation service connecting customers directly to their chosen resorts. The airline, in addition to its local destinations, provides scheduled international flights to cities in India and Bangladesh.