National airline, Maldivian has begun operating direct flights from Hanimaadhoo island of Haa Dhaal atoll to Cochin, India.

The flights were launched during a special ceremony at Hanimaadhoo International Airport on Monday evening where Managing Director of Island Aviation Services Limited, Mohamed Rizwee revealed that this opens yet another promotional door to the country’s tourism sector.

Rizwee stated that the commencement of direct flights from Cochin will prove to be an effective arrangement to provide ease for the people, especially those travelling for medical purposes.

The commemoration of this service was celebrated with special activities in the airport’s arrival hall on Monday evening where tickets were awarded to four lucky winners.

A schedule was publicized for the direct flights between Hanimaadhoo and Cochin on 16 October. Tickets are priced at INR 10,556 (MVR 2,274).

Tickets from Malé to Cochin start at INR 9,397 (MVR 2,038).

Flights will operate for five days throughout the week from Hanimaadhoo to Cochin, revealed Maldivian.

The company aims to begin operating more flights to a range of other exciting destinations in the near future as well.

Maldivian currently operates flights to several destinations including Thailand, Bangladesh as well as China. It operates flights to Trivandrum and Chennai in India as well.