March 30, 2026news
New Direct Flights to Male Announced for Winter 2026
Three major European carriers have announced augmented direct flight schedules to Velana International Airport.
Enhanced Connectivity Ahead of Peak Season
The Maldives Ministry of Tourism today confirmed that Velana International Airport (MLE) will welcome expanded winter schedules starting October 2026. This is a massive win for European travelers looking to bypass the traditional Middle Eastern layovers in Dubai or Doha.
The New Routes
- London Heathrow (LHR): Daily direct flights using the newly upgraded A350 fleet, slashing travel time to just under 11 hours.
- Frankfurt (FRA): Five times weekly, directly targeting the strong German booking demographic.
- Milan (MXP): Expanding the Italian charter system into scheduled direct pathways.
What This Means for Trade
For B2B partners, this drastically simplifies the booking funnel. The removal of layovers makes the Maldives highly attractive for shorter 5-to-7 night stays, a market segment that previously hesitated due to the 16+ hour journey time.Agents are encouraged to secure Q4 2026 inventory now, as the increase in airlift will undoubtedly lead to bed-compression across premium central atoll properties.