Air Arabia Begins Daily Non-Stop Flights to the Maldives, Enhancing Global Connectivity through Sharjah Hub - Lets Go Maldives

Air Arabia Begins Daily Non-Stop Flights to the Maldives, Enhancing Global Connectivity through Sharjah Hub

October 28, 2024

Air Arabia, the leading low-cost carrier in the Middle East and North Africa, has launched its first-ever direct flights connecting Sharjah to Malé, Maldives, with a robust network offering seamless connections to over 100 destinations worldwide. This daily non-stop route marks a significant milestone in strengthening global connectivity and accessibility for the Maldives, particularly with key international destinations in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Dual Celebrations at Sharjah and Malé Airports

To mark this historic launch, dual celebrations were held at both Sharjah International Airport and Velana International Airport in Malé. The inaugural flight, operated by Air Arabia’s modern Airbus A320, received a traditional water cannon salute upon its arrival at Malé, followed by a grand welcoming ceremony attended by senior representatives from Air Arabia and the respective airport authorities.

Air Arabia’s Airbus A320 offers a superior in-flight experience featuring ‘SkyTime’—a free in-flight streaming service—and ‘SkyCafe,’ which provides affordable onboard catering options. Passengers can also benefit from Air Arabia’s ‘Air Rewards’ loyalty program, allowing them to earn, transfer, and redeem points.

Benefits for Maldivian Travelers and the Tourism Industry

The launch of Air Arabia’s direct flights to Malé brings new opportunities for Maldivian travelers, offering greater accessibility to an extensive network of over 100 destinations worldwide via its Sharjah hub. The airline’s focus on affordability, family-friendly services, and Islamic-friendly amenities—such as Halal food options and dedicated prayer facilities at transit points—aligns perfectly with the needs and preferences of Maldivian travelers.

For the Maldives’ tourism industry, this new route provides significant benefits by enhancing connectivity and encouraging more international tourists to visit the Maldives. With direct and cost-effective travel options, Air Arabia is expected to drive increased tourist arrivals, boosting the growth of the Maldives’ economy and tourism sector.

CEO and COO Feedback on the New Partnership

Mohamed Riyaz, CEO of Lets Go Maldives, emphasized the importance of this new route, stating, “The introduction of daily direct flights by Air Arabia marks a transformative moment for Maldives tourism. By connecting the Maldives to over 100 destinations via Sharjah, we strengthen our ties with key global markets. At Lets Go Maldives, we are committed to providing seamless travel experiences and supporting this strategic partnership to drive tourism growth and international connectivity.”

Bassam Adam, COO of Lets Go Maldives, shared his insights on this milestone, adding, “This partnership is an exciting development for Lets Go Maldives as it broadens travel opportunities for Maldivians and visitors alike. Air Arabia’s commitment to affordability and reliability aligns with our mission to enhance the Maldives’ appeal as a world-class destination. We believe this direct connection will open up new avenues for outbound and inbound travel, enriching the overall travel experience.”

Industry Leaders’ Insights

Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia, commented on the launch: “The inaugural flight to the Maldives represents an exciting new chapter in our network expansion. We are thrilled to connect the Maldives with our extensive network of over 100 destinations. With this new route, we reaffirm our commitment to providing affordable and value-driven air travel while offering more options to explore new destinations worldwide.”

Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed, CEO & MD of Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), emphasized the significance of this direct route: “As we welcome Air Arabia’s inaugural flight, we are excited about the opportunities this partnership presents for Velana International Airport. The direct connection to Sharjah will boost arrivals from the Middle Eastern market and broaden connections to numerous cities worldwide, strengthening VIA’s position in regional and global aviation with each new route.”

How to Book and Contact Information

Customers can now book their flights to the Maldives through Air Arabia’s website, call center, or travel agencies.

For local inquiries, please contact Maldives GSA at +960 330 7755, or visit the Air Arabia Maldives office and lounge located at H. Boaaddu, Haveeree Higun, Malé.

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