Air Arabia launches first direct flights from Sharjah to Maldives
Sharjah Airport celebrates milestone as Airbus A320 receives water cannon salute in Malé
SHARJAH: Air Arabia has inaugurated its first direct flight route from Sharjah International Airport to the Maldives’ Velana International Airport, in a significant development for travel enthusiasts and the tourism industry.
Beginning on October 27, 2024, this daily service is expected to strengthen Sharjah's position as a hub in the international travel landscape and bolster tourism and economic relations between the UAE and the Maldives.
This new connection marks an important addition to Air Arabia’s expanding global network, providing a convenient, affordable travel option for holidaymakers eager to explore the tropical beauty of the Maldives.
To mark the inaugural flight, dual celebrations took place at both Sharjah and Malé airports. Notable figures from both Air Arabia and Sharjah Airport Authority (SAA) attended the ceremony, including Ali Salim Al Midfa, Chairman of SAA, and Mr. Hassaan Waheed, Deputy Ambassador of the Maldives to the UAE.
There was a water-cannon salute for the arriving Airbus A320 in Malé, a traditional aviation celebration that symbolises a warm welcome for new international routes. Upon arrival, passengers were greeted with a welcoming ceremony, underscoring the Maldivian hospitality that awaits them.
Touching down in the breathtaking paradise of the Maldives! 🇲🇻
— Air Arabia (@airarabiagroup) October 27, 2024
Today, we are pleased to announce the launch of our inaugural flight to this iconic destination. This expansion of our global network will offer our passengers more opportunities to explore new destinations around the… pic.twitter.com/sYnYA6pGbl
“Sharjah Airport continues to expand its presence on the international travel map, and we are committed to adding new direct destinations for airlines operating through the airport. The launch of the first direct flights from Sharjah to the Maldives is another milestone,” stated Ali Salim Al Midfa, Chairman of SAA. He emphasised that the Maldives is an increasingly popular destination among travellers worldwide, driving the motivation for SAA to enhance services and expand its network to meet this demand.
When and how to experience the new route
Air Arabia’s flight service, operating as Flight G9091, leaves Sharjah daily at 08:00 local time, arriving in Malé at 13:20. The return journey from the Maldives departs at 14:20, arriving back in the UAE by 17:55. The service is flown by Air Arabia’s Airbus A320, known for its reliability and efficiency, offering passengers a comfortable and value-focused travel experience.
Expanding horizons for budget travellers
Air Arabia, the largest low-cost carrier in the Middle East and North Africa, operates with a fleet of 77 Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft.
Adel Al Ali, Group CEO of Air Arabia, expressed his excitement about the expansion: “The inaugural flight to the Maldives represents an exciting new chapter in our network expansion. We are excited to offer our customers direct access to this tropical paradise. With the addition of this new route, we reaffirm our commitment to provide affordable and value-driven air travel while offering more options to explore new destinations around the world.”
Beyond merely expanding its network, Air Arabia aims to enhance the passenger experience through onboard services like ‘SkyTime’, which offers free in-flight streaming, and ‘SkyCafe’, a catering service providing meals at affordable prices. Passengers can also take advantage of ‘Air Rewards,’ a loyalty programme that lets them earn, transfer, and redeem points, adding value to each journey.
Why Sharjah Airport’s expansion matters
Sharjah Airport Authority has ambitious plans for growth. It aims to raise its capacity to 25 million passengers, further entrenching its place on the global map. This includes strategic efforts to attract more international airlines, increase international flights, and connect passengers to a broader range of destinations.
“This reaffirms our deep commitment to expanding our international network and providing passengers with a unique travel experience and outstanding services,” noted Ali Salim Al Midfa. By partnering with Air Arabia, SAA is positioning itself as a vital link in the growing tourism and business connections between the UAE and key destinations worldwide, including the Maldives.
Who benefits from this new flight service
The Maldives, celebrated for its turquoise waters and luxury resorts, is a highly sought-after destination for international travellers. The direct flights are expected to increase the number of visitors from the Middle East to the Maldives, providing a valuable boost to the Maldivian economy. Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed, CEO and Managing Director of Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), commented, “As we welcome Air Arabia’s inaugural flight, we are excited about the opportunities this partnership presents for Velana International Airport. The direct connection to Sharjah will boost arrivals from the Middle Eastern market and broaden connections to numerous cities worldwide.”
As tourism in the Maldives continues to grow, the UAE remains a key market. The new route offers tourists the convenience of direct travel and opens new horizons for business partnerships and cultural exchanges between the two nations.
Book your next Air Arabia flight to Maldives
Air Arabia is known for its affordable fare structures, making dream vacations to places like the Maldives more accessible than ever. To book a trip, travellers can visit the Air Arabia website, contact the airline’s call center, or book through travel agencies.