Saudia Celebrates a Decade of Direct Flights to the Maldives

Saudi Arabia's national airline, Saudia, has celebrated ten years of direct flight operations to the Maldives. A special event at Velana International Airport (VIA) marked the anniversary, welcoming arriving passengers and presenting gifts to departing travelers. The airline launched its inaugural service to the Maldives on March 30, 2016. Officials highlighted that a decade of consistent connectivity has played a significant role in strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations. Tourism statistics underscore the link. As of February this year, the Maldives had welcomed 3,546 visitors from Saudi Arabia, representing 0.8 percent of total tourist arrivals. The direct air link facilitates both tourism and broader diplomatic and economic engagement.