Maldivian Airlines expands to direct Male-Colombo flights from tomorrow

Wednesday, 24 April 2024 00:04 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

From left: Maldivian Chief Commercial Officer Ismail Amrah, Maldivian Cargo GM Ahmed Saleem, Nawaloka Holdings Chairman Dr. Jayantha Dharmadasa, High Commissioner Designate to the Maldives Ranga Goonawardena, and Redline Capital Managing Director Chandula Perera cutting the celebration cake – Pic by Ruwan Walpola

By Divya Thotawatte

In an effort to support leisure travel while developing the ties between the countries, Maldivian Airlines has increased its connectivity to Sri Lanka, introducing direct flights from Male to Colombo starting 25 April.

Starting this week, two weekly flights will be available every Thursday and Saturday. The flight is set to depart from Male at 7.35pm and reach Colombo at 9.35pm. From Colombo, the flight would depart at 10.35pm and arrive in Male at 11.35pm. This initiative is aimed at facilitating seamless travel experiences between the two countries with a target market consisting of medical travellers, business travellers, and leisure travellers, primarily from Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Europe.

Maldivian Airlines Chief Commercial Officer Ismail Amrah said, “Sri Lanka as a destination is of immense importance to us. Maldives and Sri Lanka, both our communities have a close travel trade relationship that dates back to the seafaring. The route is important for us as we want to support this close-knitted community and also to support the growing leisure travel between both countries. We are positioning ourselves to cater to leisure, business, local and medical travel between Colombo and Male.”

The airline services has prioritised the comfort and satisfaction of its diverse passengers including the ‘leisure trail’ travellers, European travellers who combine their stays at Maldives with Sri Lanka. Measures have been taken to ensure a comfortable journey and quality services for its guests. In catering to the leisure aspect of the travels, the Male-Colombo travellers will receive Biryani with a differentiation between the business and economy.

This facility has been planned under the guidance and feedback of Maldivian Airlines General Sales Agent (GSA) Nawaloka Airline Services. Moreover, lounge service will be accessible to business class passengers, both in Colombo and Male. For departing passengers, lounge services will be available at the Velana International Airport in Maldives. However, the Male-Colombo flights would still be available for an effective price point, said the Maldivian Airlines representatives.

This latest initiative was announced last week at the Nawaloka Airline Services. The event was also attended by High Commissioner Designate to the Republic of Maldives Ranga Goonawardena and Nawaloka Holdings Chairman Dr. Jayantha Dharmadasa.