Maldivian, the national airline of the Maldives, has inked a deal with its appointed agent in Bangladesh, Galaxy Aviation Services, to recommence direct flights between Dhaka and Male starting March 12. This move aims to enhance air connectivity between the two countries in South Asia.
In a joint announcement, Mohamed Ibrahim Iyas, the managing director of Maldivian, and Ahmed Yusuf Walid, the president and CEO of Galaxy Bangladesh Group, sealed the agreement at a hotel in Dhaka on Monday. The initial plan involves operating two weekly flights on Sundays and Thursdays, with return ticket prices starting at $399.
The flight schedule is designed for arrivals in Dhaka in the early morning, enabling passengers to seamlessly connect with other international flights. Travelers will benefit from a baggage allowance of 30 kilograms and complimentary meals on board. Tickets can be purchased through the airline’s official website, mobile app, or call center.
Airline officials noted that the service has been reintroduced due to the increasing demand from Bangladeshi residents in the Maldives, especially with the upcoming post-Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr travel season. The revival of the Dhaka-Male-Dhaka route is anticipated to enhance passenger traffic, particularly for Bangladeshi expats in the Maldives, and streamline bilateral travel.
The signing ceremony was attended by Ambassador of the Maldives to Bangladesh Shiuneen Rasheed, Director of Ground Operations Ahmed Ibrahim, and General Manager (international commercial) Mohamed Saffah, among others.