Maldivian has resumed its direct Malé–Dhaka–Malé flight service, marked by a ceremonial water cannon salute at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport today (12 March).
The inaugural flight from Malé landed in Dhaka at 5:20am, operated by an Airbus A320 carrying a full load of passengers. The return flight departed at 6:20am the same morning.
Arriving passengers were welcomed by officials from the airline’s local General Sales Agent, Galaxy Aviation Services.
Initially, the airline will operate the route twice a week—on Sundays and Thursdays. Return fares start from $399 (approximately Tk47,880).
Passengers travelling on the service will receive a 30kg baggage allowance along with complimentary onboard meals. Tickets are available through the airline’s official website, mobile application and call centre.
The resumption of the route follows an agreement signed on 23 February between Mohamed Ibrahim Yasir and Ahmed Yusuf Walid.
The launch ceremony at the airport was attended by Shiuneen Rasheed, Ahmed Ibrahim and Mohamed Safah.
Speaking at the event, Ambassador Rasheed said the restored service would help strengthen bilateral relations and enhance people-to-people connectivity between Bangladesh and Maldives.
The airline said the timing of the service resumption also coincides with the Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr travel season, which is expected to facilitate travel for Bangladeshi expatriates returning home as well as Maldivian travellers heading abroad.
Maldivian currently operates a fleet of 26 aircraft, including an Airbus A330, Airbus A320 aircraft, ATR aircraft, De Havilland Dash 8 turboprops and De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter, serving a range of domestic and international destinations.
