Etihad Airways has decided to increase its flights to the Maldives.
Etihad is the national airline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The airline was the first airline to operate after the Maldives opened its borders after the COVID-19 pandemic. It launched its flights to the Maldives on July 18, 2020.
Currently offering seven weekly flights to the Maldives, Etihad Airways is set to improve its services. Starting from December 1, the airline will introduce three more flights, followed by an additional four flights commencing on January 1, 2024. This will result in a total of 14 weekly flights to the Maldives by the beginning of the upcoming year.
Etihad Airways operated two flights weekly to the Maldives before the pandemic. However, the airline has now augmented its flight frequency due to increased demand.
Multiple factors contribute to airlines expanding their flights to the Maldives. The Ministry of Tourism reports that over 1.1 million tourists have visited the Maldives as of August 15 and the government's goal is to attract 1.9 million tourists this year.