China Eastern Airlines has resumed its flights to the Maldives after a suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The airline, being one of the most visited carriers in the Maldives, marked its return with a special ceremony at Velana International Airport (VIA). The occasion featured a water salute to welcome the China Eastern Airlines plane upon its landing.
The ceremony witnessed the presence of notable figures, including Minister of Tourism Ibrahim Faisal, Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives Wang Lixin, and other senior government officials.
Before the pandemic, China was the largest tourist contributor to the Maldives, and the resumption of flights signals a positive trend in the recovery of tourism.
During President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's visit to China, discussions were held on various topics, including increasing the number of Chinese airlines flying to the Maldives and launching flights from additional Chinese destinations. This effort resulted in the resumption of China Eastern flights to the Maldives.
In addition to China Eastern Airlines, several other airlines have also resumed their operations to the Maldives, contributing to the gradual recovery of the tourism sector in the country.