Minister of Tourism Moosa Zameer has revealed direct air links between Maldives and South Africa will be established in November. In this regard, direct links will be established between Johannesburg of South Africa and Addu City of Maldives.
Direct flights to South Africa will commence on November 24, Tourism Minister Moosa Zameer stated speaking at a press conference held to announce the decision. Airbus A340 will be used for the flight operation and 3 weekly flights will be scheduled, the tourism minister revealed.
Meanwhile, shareholder of Champa Brothers Maldives Private Limited, who also played a major role in establishing direct air links with South Africa, Hussain Afeef said tourists from South Africa arrive to Maldives after a 12-hour long flight, adding the direct flights will shorten the flight duration to 7 hours. Tourist arrivals from South Africa is expected to increase to 18,000 from the current 9,000 arrivals recorded, according to Afeef.
Air Tour Operator (ATO) handling the operations expressed the initiative would also enhance ties with South Africa In this regard, ATO expressed hope the weekly flights will ease the travel for South African nationals.
Meanwhile, Managing Director of Gan International Airport Mohamed Latheef said commencement of direct flights to South Africa will boost the tourism in the Addu City region. The airport has now been prepared to accommodate the largest aircraft in operation, stated Mohamed Latheef. Currently, Sri Lankan airlines conduct direct flights between Addu City and Colombo.
The government of Maldives has been exerting major efforts to establish direct air links with many countries.