French national airline Air France has commenced their direct flights to Velana International Airport (VIA) on Thursday.
At a special ceremony held on Thursday at VIA, the commencement of Air France flights from Paris to Maldives was acknowledged with ribbon cutting, which was partaken by Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed and Senior Vice President of Air France Welma Blomm as well as the French Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Maldives Jean Marin Schuh.
The ceremony took place at the VIP lounge of VIA, where Economic Minister Saeed highlight the commencement of Air France flights will act as a favorable boost to local tourism and economy.
Minister Saeed also addressed that post the airport development phase becomes completed, the Velana International Airport will be able to accommodate 6.5 million to 7 million visitors simultaneously.
French Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Maldives Marin Schuh expressed pride and joy and said it was a great initiative and the new corporate relationship would solidify the bond between France and Maldives.
Air France will be operating their Boeing 777-200 flights from Paris to VIA. The flight boasts 260 economy class and 24 premium economy class as well as 28 business class seats for passengers. Flights would lift off from Paris at 20:50hrs in French local time and land the following day at 10:20hrs in Maldivian local time.
With Air France commencing its direct flights to Maldives, the number of French nationals visiting Maldives is expected to rise. The country had 28,844 visitors so far this year while it marks an increase by a percentage compared to last year's total visit count of 27,764.
