Maldivian Resumes Direct Flights to Dhaka, Bangladesh After Long Suspension

Maldivian, the national airline of the Maldives, has officially resumed its direct flights between Male’ and Dhaka, restoring a key air link between the two capitals after several months of suspension. The relaunch was marked with a ceremonial water‑cannon salute at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, where the first inbound flight landed early Tuesday morning.

The inaugural service, operated by an Airbus A320 with a full passenger load, touched down in Dhaka at 5:20am before departing back to Male’ at 6:20am. Passengers were welcomed by representatives from Galaxy Aviation Services, the airline’s General Sales Agent in Bangladesh.

Maldivian will now operate the Male’-Dhaka–Male’ route twice a week, with flights scheduled every Thursday and Sunday. The airline said the decision to resume the service follows strong demand from Maldivian travellers, Bangladeshi expatriates living in the Maldives, and Bangladeshi tourists visiting the islands.

Return fares start from USD 399, and passengers will receive a 30kg baggage allowance along with complimentary onboard meals. Tickets are available through the airline’s website, mobile app, and call centre.

The restart comes at a strategically important time, coinciding with the busy Ramadan and Eid‑ul‑Fitr travel season. The airline expects the route to support Bangladeshi expatriates returning home for the holidays as well as Maldivians travelling abroad during the festive period.

Officials at the launch event noted that the renewed service will strengthen people‑to‑people connectivity and enhance bilateral ties between the Maldives and Bangladesh.

Maldivian previously operated regular flights to Dhaka but suspended the service in August 2024 due to political unrest in Bangladesh. The airline announced earlier this year that it would reinstate the route following improved conditions and rising travel demand.