Luxury Escapes and Maldivian Airlines have announced that their direct Melbourne–Malé service will operate year-round in 2027, following strong demand from Australian travelers seeking direct access to the Maldives. Launched in May 2026, the service represents the first and only regular direct air link between Australia and the Maldives, providing travellers with a direct connection between Melbourne and Velana International Airport in Malé. The year-round continuation marks

History is made today as Maldivian operates the first direct commercial flight between Australia and the Maldives, establishing a new long‑haul connection between the two countries and marking a significant milestone for the national carrier. The inaugural service departed Melbourne Tullamarine early this morning aboard Maldivian’s Airbus A330, following the aircraft’s arrival the previous day on a special positioning flight. The operation introduces the first nonstop link be