Maldives and Ethiopia have signed a bilateral air services agreement aimed at establishing direct flight connectivity and strengthening cooperation in aviation, tourism, and trade.

The agreement was signed during a ceremony at the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation by Minister Mohamed Ameen and Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority Director General Yohannes Abera.

The pact provides the legal framework for airlines from both countries to operate scheduled air services.

The agreement marks another step in the Maldives' efforts to expand its international aviation network and improve access to new markets. ]

Ethiopia becomes the sixth African nation to sign an air transport agreement with the Maldives, joining Egypt, Mauritius, Rwanda, Seychelles, and South Africa.

The new framework is expected to pave the way for direct scheduled flights between the two countries.

Ethiopian Airlines, Africa's largest carrier, has already expressed interest in launching direct services between Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia and the Maldives, a development that could significantly improve travel links between the island nation and the African continent.

Officials said the agreement also supports the government's broader strategy of strengthening the country's aviation sector and connecting the Maldives to more international hubs.

Improved air connectivity is expected to enhance tourism, facilitate business travel, and create new opportunities for economic cooperation.

The agreement also opens the possibility for the Maldives' national airline, Maldivian, to operate services to Ethiopia while allowing Ethiopian Airlines to expand its network to the Maldives, further strengthening bilateral relations and improving global connectivity for both countries.

Authorities expect the partnership to support long-term growth in tourism and trade while reinforcing the Maldives' position as an increasingly connected international travel destination.