Indian Airlines Expand Flights to Maldives: The New Tourism Hotspot

Maldives, a tropical paradise, is fast becoming the go-to destination for Indian travelers Indian Airlines Expand Flights to Maldives, with airlines rapidly increasing their flight frequencies to cater to the surging demand. But what’s fueling this rush to the sun-soaked islands?

Emergence of the Maldives Fever Back in the winter of 2018, India’s aviation sector was on a growth trajectory. While airlines like SpiceJet rebounded from past challenges, others, including IndiGo and Go Air, looked for fresh international destinations. Their radar caught the Maldives, a location not only picturesque but also conveniently close. It wasn’t long before Instagram was awash with sunlit beaches, crystal-clear waters, and luxurious resorts, all tagged with #Maldives.

A Boom, Once More Jump to 2023, and we witness another surge. With Vistara announcing flights, IndiGo isn’t staying behind, adding even more trips to its already dominant tally.

Routes and Frequencies Here’s the rundown:

• IndiGo: Flights from Delhi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Kochi, and Mumbai.
• Vistara: Set to commence daily flights from Delhi starting October 31, 2023.
• Air India: Recently announced flights from Bengaluru and Mumbai.
• Maldivian: Will connect Bengaluru, Trivandrum, and Kochi.

This expansion means nearly 500 more seats daily, a boon for the Maldivian tourism industry.

Diving Deep into the Numbers The love affair between India and Maldives isn’t new. Back in 2018’s last quarter, 51,000 passengers took direct flights to Maldives, a figure that rose to 60,000 the following year. Even the pandemic couldn’t dampen spirits, with 2021 witnessing a record 1.15 lakh passengers in its last quarter.

The Competitive Sky IndiGo, ever aggressive, never gives its competitors a free pass. Despite having several planes grounded, the airline is expanding its wings, sometimes eyeing untouched territories or, like with Maldives, directly taking on rivals.

Maldives’ allure isn’t just about its beauty. It’s also a game of balance. While the islands may be heavy on the pocket when it comes to accommodation, affordable flight options are making the overall trip cost-effective.

What Lies Ahead? With the Tata group of airlines mulling strategy and the political climate in Maldives evolving, it remains to be seen how this aviation dance unfolds. The future might be uncertain, but for now, India’s love for Maldives is sky-high.