Hong Kong Airlines has recommenced its direct flight operations between Hong Kong and Male’, a service previously halted due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The inaugural flight in this renewed service touched down at Velana International Airport at approximately 1930hrs on Friday, with 209 passengers on board.
The airline has scheduled three weekly direct flights to Male’, operating on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
To mark the occasion, Velana International Airport organized a special ceremony to welcome both the airline and its passengers. This event saw the attendance of high-ranking representatives from the Tourism Ministry and the China Embassy in the Maldives.
With the return of Hong Kong Airlines, there are now four airlines facilitating flights between China and the Maldives: China Eastern Airlines, Beijing Capital, Sichuan Airlines, and Hong Kong Airlines.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and his cabinet have expressed their commitment to boosting the number of tourists from China. Before the pandemic, China was the leading country in terms of tourist arrivals to the Maldives.
The President is determined to restore China’s position as the top source of tourists for the Maldives.