Bahrain's flag carrier, Gulf Air, has begun scheduled flights to Maldives.
At a ceremony held at Velana International Airport (VIA), Managing Director of Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) Thoyyib Mohamed inaugurated the flight operations.
The first flight of Gulf Air to land in Maldives was also greeted with a water cannon salute by Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL). Gulf Air has scheduled 5 weekly flights to Maldives directly from Bahrain International Airport.
Speaking at the function to begin operations, Thoyyib said Maldives is not only preferred by tourists for its natural beaches and underwater beauty, rather, many travel to experience its island life and local culture.
At the function attended by senior officials from MACL and Gulf Air, Chief Commercial Officer of Gulf Air Vincent Coste assured belief that Maldives is going to be a successful destination for the airline. He said Gulf Air will be a useful ally in reaching the target of bringing 1.5 million tourists this year.
The airline that began operations in 1950 now flies to 50 destinations in 28 countries in Africa, Asia and Europe.