Malaysian Airlines, the national flag carrier of Malaysia, has announced that it will resume scheduled flights to the Maldives starting in August this year. This move follows an agreement signed with the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) to recommence operations on the Malé-Kuala Lumpur route.
The agreement was formalised during the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) 2024 fair, a premier travel event in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The fair, held from 22 to 24 March, showcases the latest advancements and offerings in the travel industry.
The scheduled flights between Malé and Kuala Lumpur will commence on 1 August. The reinstatement of the Malé route is an integral part of its overarching strategy to expand its portfolio of travel destinations, according to the airline. The scheduled flights are anticipated to significantly streamline travel between the two countries.
Malaysia hosts a substantial number of Maldivians residing overseas. Concurrently, the number of Maldivians travelling to Malaysia for various purposes has been witnessing an upward trend. Similarly, the number of Malaysian tourists visiting the Maldives has also surged. Last year alone, the Maldives welcomed over 13,000 Malaysian visitors.
In addition to the Maldives, Malaysian Airlines has recently announced its plans to commence flights to two other destinations: Chiang Mai in Thailand and Da Nang in Vietnam. The airline has commenced accepting reservations for these destinations, and as part of the MATTA Fair, it is offering competitive promotional fares. The price for a one-way journey between Malé and Kuala Lumpur is US$200, while a round-trip trip between the two destinations is US$299.
Malaysian Airlines had previously established a strong presence in the Maldives, with regular flight operations between Malé and Kuala Lumpur. However, these operations have been on hiatus for several years. Despite this, the airline has maintained a robust international network, offering services to 55 destinations spanning Asia, Australia, Europe, and the Middle East. Malaysia Airlines Berhad (MAB) embarked on its journey as the national carrier on 1 September 2015, and has since been a critical player in the global aviation industry.
