Ukraine’s Azur Air has commenced charter operations to Maldives.

While its first flight landed at Velana International Airport on Saturday with 31 passengers, the airline will operate one weekly flight to the island nation every Saturday, until March 2021.

Azur Air Ukraine is a Ukrainian Charter Airline based at Boryspil International Airport, operating with a fleet of seven Boeing Aircraft operating to 12 global destinations.

Ukraine Airlines also commenced charter operations to Maldives, on Saturday.

With this, there are currently over 20 airlines operating to the Maldives.

Tourists are required to fill an online health declaration form within 24 hours prior to departure and also present a negative COVID-19 test, conducted 96 hours prior to departure to the Maldives.

Maldives halted issuing on-arrival visas on March 27 and a little over three months later, reopened borders for international travel on July 15. While tourist arrivals were low following border reopening, it has been increasing every month since. The country has seen over 66,000 arrivals in December alone.