Russian charter Azur Air has resumed direct flights from Moscow to Male’, Maldives. Set to operate once a week during this winter season, the airline’s Boeing-777 landed at Velana International Airport yesterday with record number of passengers – a promising 500 travelers – onboard a single flight, since pandemic.  

The airline previously stated, “Azur Air is expanding the possibilities of Russian tourists to spend their holidays in the Maldives. On November 28, regular flights from Moscow to Male will open on Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. The program is scheduled once a week, on Saturdays, for the entire autumn-winter season.”  

Prior to COVID-19 pandemic, only Russia’s flag carrier Aeroflot operated flights to Maldives.   

Maldives opened borders to all nationalities from 15th July. All visitors are granted a 30-day free on-arrival visa with a confirmed booking for a stay at any registered tourist facility in the country. The reopening of borders came with stringent safety measures in place to ensure the safety of both tourists and staff. Tourists are required to fill an online health declaration form within 24 hours prior to departure and also present a negative COVID-19 test, conducted 96 hours prior to departure to the Maldives.   

Russia has been a traditionally strong market for the Maldives. The year 2020 began with the market ranking as the fourth highest arrival market to the Maldives, with an increase of arrivals by 29.6% compared to January of 2019. Russia is currently ranked among the top 10 countries in terms of arrivals amidst the pandemic and its arrivals continue to increase with the recent resumption of flights from Russia to Maldives.