Air Arabia, a low-cost carrier from the United Arab Emirates, has officially launched its flight services to the Maldives, marking a new connection between the UAE and the Maldives.

The inaugural flight, welcomed at Velana International Airport (VIA) in Malé, received a ceremonial water cannon salute, followed by a reception hosted by senior officials from Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) and the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC).

Air Arabia’s daily flights to VIA will be operated by Airbus A-320 aircraft, providing a budget-friendly option for travelers from the Middle East to reach the Maldives.

The airline initially announced plans for the Maldives route in July, underscoring its commitment to expanding connectivity in the region.

MMPRC Managing Director Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed remarked that Air Arabia’s new flights are expected to significantly increase the flow of tourists from the Middle East, enhancing the Maldives' visibility as a prime travel destination in the region.

He added that this will facilitate the promotion of Maldives’ tourism as a destination in the region.

The Ministry of Tourism's recent statistics reveal a growing interest in the Maldives from Middle Eastern tourists, with 57,434 visitors from the region arriving by August this year, including 11,406 from the UAE alone.

The launch of Air Arabia’s direct flights is anticipated to further boost these numbers, supporting the Maldives’ tourism sector and strengthening ties with the UAE.