Belarusian carrier Belavia announced its intention to start direct services to Malé, the capital of the Maldives, with the first flights scheduled for August 2026. The move is part of the airline’s broader network expansion and reflects growing interest in the Maldives as a long‑haul destination, despite its relatively high cost profile.
Initially, Belavia will operate a limited trial of six to eight flights to assess passenger demand and operational performance. The airline is collaborating with local tourism partners to explore further opportunities in the market.
The launch follows a wave of route adjustments by several airlines responding to ongoing disruptions in global aviation, particularly in the Middle East. British Airways has increased its weekly frequency to four flights, with the possibility of adding more. Edelweiss Air plans around 20 flights to Malé in April, while Air India has temporarily added 78 extra flights on routes that include Malé, using Airbus A320neo aircraft to bypass affected airspace.
Aeroflot has also expanded services to leisure destinations such as Malé, Bangkok, Phuket and Colombo to meet rising demand and provide alternatives for travelers affected by cancellations.
These developments build on earlier trends reported by Maldives Airports Company Limited, which noted a rise in private jet arrivals and the use of alternative flight paths. Visit Maldives continues to work with airlines and industry stakeholders to maintain connectivity and minimise the impact of disruptions on travelers.
Source: visitmaldives.com
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