Flynas to Launch Riyadh to Maldives Flights This May

Saudi Arabian low‑cost carrier Flynas is set to begin flights to the Maldives next month, strengthening connectivity between Riyadh and Malé as regional airline operations continue to stabilise following recent Middle East disruptions.

According to Maldives Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Mohamed Ameen, the government has been working to attract additional airlines after several carriers temporarily suspended services due to the conflict in the region. At the height of the disruption, around 18 to 19 flights were cancelled per day, though major Middle Eastern operators have since restored operations.

Flynas is scheduled to launch its Riyadh–Maldives route on 3rd May, adding another Middle Eastern operator to the country’s network. The new service is expected to support inbound tourism from Saudi Arabia, one of the Maldives’ steadily growing source markets.

The minister also noted that Beond plans to begin its charter programme in August, further expanding capacity ahead of the peak travel period.

Despite the regional conflict affecting multiple countries, the Maldives has maintained relatively strong tourism performance. Some airlines have even increased frequencies, including Aeroflot and Turkish Airlines, helping offset temporary reductions elsewhere.

Current airline activity in the Maldives is led by Asian carriers (16 airlines), followed by European operators (13 airlines) and six airlines from the Middle East. The entry of Flynas and the resumption of suspended routes are expected to further stabilise connectivity as the sector adjusts to evolving regional conditions.