On 18th January 2023 after three years halt; flights from China were resumed to the Maldives as the Chinese government eased travel restrictions imposed on the country.
Chinese low-cost carrier Beijing Capital Airlines operated the first flight to the Maldives from China.
Another carrier, China Southern Airliners will be resuming flights to the Maldives on 20th February.
China Southern Airlines will operate three weekly flights to Velana International Airport from Guangzhou, China on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Following the relaunch of tourism connectivity between the two countries; an overall 10% increase in annual tourist arrival is expected for 2023.
In 2019 alone 280,000 Chinese tourists visited the Maldives accounting for 17% of total tourist arrivals.