Maldives and Bulgaria to Launch First-Ever Direct Flights This November

The Maldives and Bulgaria will establish their first-ever direct aviation link starting November 6, as Sofia-based airline GullivAir launches a seasonal flight schedule between the two nations. The services are scheduled to operate from November through March 26, 2027, catering specifically to the European winter travel peak. Flights will run on weekends, with departures from Male’ to Sofia every Friday and return flights from the Bulgarian capital every Saturday. The airline aims to streamline travel for both leisure tourists and business travelers. GullivAir will deploy wide-body aircraft, including the Airbus A330-200, to facilitate the route. To enhance the passenger experience on these long-haul journeys, the airline has confirmed that two onboard meals will be provided for every flight. This new route arrives as part of a broader trend of increased connectivity to the Maldives ahead of the winter season. Other carriers are also expanding their footprint; Qatar Airways recently increased its weekly flight frequency from 12 to 21. Additionally, preparations are underway for Belarusian carrier Belavia to begin operations in December. These aviation expansions support the government's ambitious tourism targets. The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation has set a goal of attracting 2.3 million visitors this year. While the ministry acknowledged that conflict in the Middle East has impacted arrival numbers, officials remain optimistic about hitting the target. According to the latest government statistics, 1.49 million tourists have visited the Maldives so far this year. By diversifying flight origins and increasing seat capacity, the Maldives continues to strengthen its accessibility for European markets, ensuring a steady flow of visitors during the high season.