Maldives and Russia Discuss Expanded Air Connectivity, Opening Potential for Additional Carriers

Maldives Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation H.E. Mohamed Ameen held discussions with State Secretary and Deputy Minister of Transport of the Russian Federation, Mr. Dmitry Zverev, in Moscow, with expanded air connectivity between the two countries forming a key part of the discussions.

According to the Minister, both sides agreed on the need to facilitate the operation of additional carriers to the Maldives, a development that could further strengthen the country’s connectivity with one of its most important tourism markets.

Russia has become a significant source market for Maldivian tourism, supported in large part by direct air connectivity. Russian carrier Aeroflot currently operates direct services between Moscow and Velana International Airport, with the nonstop journey taking approximately nine hours.

Aeroflot has also increased capacity on the Maldives market in response to strong travel demand. In March 2026, the airline announced additional flights between Moscow and Malé, citing increased tourist demand and the need to provide additional travel options.

The importance of the Russian market makes expanded connectivity particularly significant for the Maldives tourism industry. Additional airlines could provide greater seat capacity, introduce more competition and offer Russian travellers increased options for reaching the Maldives.

Potential opportunity for Maldivian

The discussions could also create an opportunity for Maldivian, the national airline of the Maldives, to explore future services to Russia.

A direct Maldivian service to Russia would represent a significant expansion of the airline’s international network and could provide the carrier with access to one of the Maldives’ established tourism markets. Depending on the route economics, aircraft availability, traffic rights and commercial demand, Moscow could be a potential starting point for such an operation.

For Maldivian, a Russia service could also provide an opportunity to carry not only Russian tourists travelling to the Maldives, but potentially outbound Maldivian passengers and connecting traffic, subject to the relevant bilateral and regulatory arrangements.

The latest discussions therefore signal a broader push to diversify and strengthen the Maldives’ international air connectivity. With Russian tourism remaining an important component of the Maldivian tourism industry, the introduction of additional carriers  and potentially Maldivian itself could further strengthen the air bridge between the two countries.