Gulf Air has commenced operation to the Maldives.
Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) that manages the country’s main international airport, Velana International Airport (VIA) said Gulf Air began operating to the Maldives on December 13. The airline will operate a weekly flight until the end of January 2020. However, two flights will be operated between December 27 to 29 to cater to a significant influx of arrivals during the period.
MACL’s General Manager, Hassan Areef said more airlines will commence flights to the Maldives within this month, including Air France. Air France is expected to start operation next week.
The Maldives closed its borders to tourists during March as a precautionary measure against COVID-19. While the tourism dependent archipelago reopened its borders in July, the number of tourists visiting the Maldives has been increasing steadily, with 19 airlines currently flying to the Maldives.The Maldives has hosted over 100,000 tourists since border reopening. The total number of arrivals is expected to reach half a million within the upcoming week.
