The airline will operate twice-weekly flights on Mondays and Fridays
S7 Airlines is Russia’s largest privately owned airline
Russia’s largest privately owned airline, S7 Airlines, has commenced flight operations to the Maldives, establishing a new air connection between the two countries ahead of the peak winter tourism season.
The airline’s inaugural flight arrived at Velana International Airport (VIA) from Novosibirsk, Russia, on Friday, completing a journey of approximately 10 hours. S7 Airlines is the first Russian carrier to introduce direct flights to the Maldives from a Russian city outside Moscow.
Welcoming the airline’s arrival, Velana International Airport extended a warm welcome to passengers travelling on the inaugural service.
Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has confirmed that S7 Airlines will operate two weekly flights to the Maldives, on Mondays and Fridays. The services will be operated using Airbus A320 aircraft as part of the airline’s seasonal winter flight programme.
The introduction of the flights follows a visit to Russia by Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen, which helped pave the way for expanded air connectivity between the two countries.
The minister had earlier announced that seven additional airlines were expected to commence operations to the Maldives during the final quarter of this year, reflecting efforts to expand international air links and attract more visitors.
Russia remains the Maldives’ second-largest source market for tourists. More than 229,200 Russian tourists have visited the Maldives so far this year, accounting for approximately 15 per cent of total tourist arrivals during the period.
About S7 Airlines
S7 Airlines, formerly known as Siberia Airlines, is one of Russia’s leading carriers and the country's largest privately owned airline. Headquartered in Novosibirsk, the airline operates an extensive domestic network, alongside international services connecting Russia with destinations across Asia and other regions.
The airline operates a modern fleet that includes Airbus aircraft and has established Novosibirsk as one of its major aviation hubs. Its new Maldives service strengthens direct connectivity between the two destinations and provides Russian travellers with another option for reaching the Maldives during the winter holiday season.
