Xiamen Airlines Opened Fujian's First Regular Route to Maldives

At 14:30 on July 30, 2024 Beijing time, a Boeing 787 passenger aircraft of Xiamen Airlines departed from Xiamen and flew towards the Velana International Airport in Maldives, officially announcing the opening of its regular route from Xiamen to Male. This is its first South Asian route and the first direct regular route to Maldives in Fujian.

Flight MF889/90 is an international flight operated by Xiamen Airlines on route from Xiamen to Male, with a two-week cycle. On Week 1, there’s one flight on Tuesday and one flight on Saturday; on Week 2, there’s one flight on Thursday, with outbound flights from 12:10 to 21:05 Beijing time and return flights from 22:05 to 07:00. The route schedule is arranged alternately, providing passengers with a variety of travel options.

The opening of the direct flight route from Xiamen to Male is an important route for Xiamen Airlines to deeply implement its efforts in promoting the high-quality development of the civil aviation industry and building China into a country with strong transport networks, and actively respond to the Chinese “Belt and Road” Initiative. It’ll further promote exchanges and cooperation between Fujian and Maldives in trade, investment, cultural tourism and other fields, and show its great significance to boost the prosperity and development of the tourism markets of China and Maldives.

“Maldives, here we come!” Cheers and laughter echoed in front of Gate 17 of the terminal building. Amidst the heated atmosphere, passengers checked in and took photos in front of the banner “Xiamen-Maldives Route Officially Started Its First Flight”. In the flash, Xiamen Airlines ground service staff distributed carefully-prepared waterproof cell phone bags and key chains as souvenirs to passengers. “In the Maldives, a waterproof cell phone bag is a great diving aid!” “Xiamen Airlines’ service is really thoughtful!”

“Is there a time difference between Maldives and China?” “Three hours later than Beijing time!” “How long does the flight take?” “About 7 hours!” At the ground activity site, passengers joined the prize-winning Q&A. As soon as the questions were given, passengers of all ages raised their hands and answered them successively. They didn’t set off yet, but they looked as if they had already been on the hot and beautiful Maldives Island.

The Maldives attracts the attention of global tourists with its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and abundant living marine resources. As an important city along the southeast coast of China, Xiamen not only boasts unique natural scenery and rich historical and cultural heritage, but also serves as an important place of departure for Chinese tourists traveling abroad.

Mr. Chen, who caught this direct flight by the high-speed train from Zhangzhou to Xiamen, said, “I came here by high-speed train. I feel very excited as soon as I think I’ll touch coral reefs and sandbanks personally after some hours!” He and his family would go to travel. The opening of the Xiamen-Male direct flight route made this free international citywalk possible.

Most tourists all had to take flights from Shanghai to Maldives before the opening of Flight MF889/90. With the opening of direct flights from Xiamen to Male, Fujian tourists could save at least 3 hours of travel time and 20% to 30% of travel expenses, greatly facilitating their travel. Moreover, passengers from Beijing, Kunming, Chengdu, Changsha, Hangzhou and other places can transfer from Xiamen to Maldives through Xiamen Airlines and enjoy Xiamen Airlines’ “In-process Transfer” service at Xiamen Airport. They do not need to pick up and check in their luggage, but only need to handle the procedures at the starting point and pick up their luggage at the destination, obtaining a more convenient and efficient transfer experience.

During this year’s Spring Festival, Xiamen Airlines, in response to the important consensus reached by the heads of China and Maldives, achieved direct flights between Fujian and Maldives about a month after Maldivian President Muizzu signed multiple cooperation agreements with China. The charter flight tickets from Fuzhou to Maldives were immediately sold out as soon as they were open for sale, becoming the most vivid example of Xiamen Airlines’ strength. 

In the future, with the help of its global route networks, Xiamen Airlines will continue to deepen and explore the air passages between China and Maldives, providing world-class service experience for more passengers.