DELHI: Entering the Indian market, Mega Maldives Airlines will start direct flights connecting the national capital and Male this month as the carrier looks to tap the growth potential in tourism.
Besides, the private carrier from Maldives will start direct flights between Mumbai and Male next month and is also in talks with some Indian carriers for possible partnerships, reports PTI.
Announcing the launch here today, Mega Maldives Airlines said it will operate three direct flights every week starting from the national capital on November 15.
‘Mega Maldives Airlines’ founder and CEO George Weinmann said the response has been positive from both countries for the new services. The carrier will have flights from the national capital to Male on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday while the services from Male will be on Monday, Thursday and Saturday.
“India is one of the largest growing economies in Asia and is right on the doorstep of Maldives. Maldives has a long relationship with India in business and tourism. Our job as an airline is to connect people and connect the markets. That is what we are going to do,” he said.
It will be operating Boeing 737-800 aircraft with a configuration of 12 business class and 156 economy class seats.
As an inaugural offer, Mega Maldives Airlines is providing round-trip economy class ticket at Rs 22,900.
“During January-August this year, there has been 21.4 percent increase in Indian tourist inflows into Maldives. I think it is quite a good moment for an airline to start direct connections,” Maldives Ambassador, Ahmed Mohamed said. According to the airline, over 52,000 Indian tourists arrived in Maldives last year and the numbers are growing at over 20 per cent annually.
