Maldivian Eyes India Expansion to Boost Tourist Arrivals

Maldivian, the national carrier of the Maldives, is planning to expand its operations in India as part of its strategy to attract nearly 2 lakh Indian tourists, the airline announced on Saturday.

The move comes as the Maldives renews its focus on Indian travellers following a brief strain in diplomatic ties after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep. Officials emphasized that tourism between the two countries remains strong.

“We have never had any issues with India. In fact, the number of Indian tourists visiting the Maldives has increased. India is also our largest trade partner,” said Ibrahim Iyas, Managing Director of Maldivian, while addressing the media during the airline’s 18th anniversary celebrations in India.

Currently, Maldivian operates five weekly flights from Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram. The airline now plans to increase flight frequencies and is exploring the possibility of launching services from additional Indian cities, particularly in southern India.

Highlighting the strong people-to-people ties, Iyas noted that over 1.3 lakh Indian tourists visited the Maldives last year, while more than 1 lakh Indians reside there. “Our airline has largely functioned as an essential service connecting the two countries,” he added, also mentioning the growing number of private jets, especially from Mumbai, bringing tourists to the island nation.

Ahmed Shafeeu, Chairman of Island Aviation Services Ltd, which operates Maldivian, said the airline is actively collaborating with tour operators and government bodies to strengthen tourism.

“This effort is not just to promote travel to the Maldives but also to encourage Maldivian travellers to explore India,” he said.

Addressing perceptions of high travel costs, Shafeeu pointed out that the Maldives now offers a range of affordable options. “Guesthouse tourism has expanded significantly. From having none, we now have over 900 guesthouses providing budget-friendly stays. Travellers can also choose luxury resorts or opt for combined packages for a diverse experience,” he explained.

Mohammed Saffah, General Manager (Commercial – International), added that the airline is shifting its focus from being primarily an essential service to actively growing tourist traffic in both directions. Discussions are ongoing with several Indian airports for potential new routes, though no formal announcements have been made yet.

With the largest domestic network in the Maldives, Maldivian offers seamless connectivity for passengers arriving from India, linking them to resort islands, local communities, and business centres.

Tourism remains the backbone of the Maldivian economy, contributing around 60 percent to its GDP. The country is also looking to strengthen trade ties with India, which remains its primary import partner.

“With the Vizhinjam Port now fully operational, we expect a boost in India’s exports to the Maldives,” Iyas said.

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