National carrier Maldivian Airlines is set to commence direct flights between Melbourne and Malé starting 17 May 2026, marking a major milestone in connectivity between Australia and the Maldives.
The inaugural flight from Malé is scheduled for 17 May, with the return leg from Melbourne expected on 19 May. The service will initially operate on a seasonal basis, with one flight per week.
Branded as the “Maldivian Luxury Escapes Express,” the route is being introduced in partnership with Luxury Escapes, which will serve as the exclusive booking platform. Travellers will be able to access the flights only as part of bundled packages that include a minimum five-night hotel stay.
The new direct route is expected to significantly reduce travel time between the two destinations. While current journeys from Australia to the Maldives typically take over 20 hours with layovers in cities such as Singapore, Colombo, Doha, or Dubai, the nonstop service is projected to complete the journey in approximately 11 hours, with early morning arrivals in Malé.
Island Aviation, the operator of Maldivian Airlines, stated that preparations are underway to ensure a smooth launch of the service. The airline expects the route to improve convenience for Australian travellers and support further growth in tourism.
An agreement facilitating the flights was signed on 19 March between the Maldives and Australia. Chairman of the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority Board Abdul Haris signed on behalf of the Maldives, while Assistant Secretary for International Aviation Jim Wolfe represented the Australian side. The government noted that the agreement would further strengthen the existing bilateral air services arrangement between the two countries.
Tourism figures also reflect growing interest from the Australian market. A total of 6,526 Australian tourists visited the Maldives in the first two months of this year, representing a 1.4 percent increase compared to the same period last year.
