President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has decided to introduce a wide-body aircraft operation to start nonstop direct flights from "Maldivian" to tourist destinations. This decision followed discussions on a paper submitted by the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation during today’s Cabinet meeting.

The President's Office said that 48 percent of tourists arrive through connecting flights, as there are no direct flights from the countries with the highest number of visitors to the Maldives. The majority of European tourists to the Maldives arrive through Middle Eastern connecting flights.

It said that once the project is underway, "Maldivian" will offer nonstop direct flights to select regions of China, Europe, and South Africa. China's destinations have been identified as the top priorities of the project.

Upon the operation’s commencement, there will be a minimum of two or three weekly direct flights between the vicinity and the Maldives.

The introduction of wide-body aircraft operations for the national airline is a key component of the Administration's 'Hafuthaa 14' roadmap.