The national carrier, Maldivian, has announced the introduction of direct flights between Hanimaadhoo and Bengaluru, India. This new route is set to commence operations on 15 May, creating a crucial connection between northern Maldives and one of India's major metropolitan hubs.
According to the airline, this service is expected to significantly ease travel for Indian tourists seeking to visit the northern atolls of the Maldives. It will also provide a more convenient travel option for residents in northern Maldives, who will no longer need to transit through the capital, Malé, to reach India.
Tickets for the Hanimaadhoo-Bengaluru route will be available for booking starting 16 March. According to Maldivian, it has scheduled twice-weekly flights for this route, operating on Sundays and Thursdays.
Ibrahim Iyas, Managing Director of Maldivian, noted the airline's existing flights between Hanimaadhoo and Thiruvananthapuram, India, which operate twice weekly. He described the introduction of the Bengaluru route as part of Maldivian's broader effort to increase its international presence and strengthen connections between the islands of the Maldives and key international cities.
This initiative aligns with the administration's aim to extend Maldivian's reach to additional international destinations. President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has made the enhancement of the national airline's services a priority. On 6 January, the president fulfilled an electoral pledge by acquiring a wide-body aircraft for Maldivian's fleet, a step forward in strengthening the airline's capacity.
The acquisition has already enabled Maldivian to operate flights to multiple international destinations, including three major cities in China—Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu. The airline is now working on securing an additional wide-body aircraft as part of its strategy to further expand its services to other international destinations, including major European cities.