Maldivian have announced that they will be initiating direct flights between Maafaru International Airport and Mumbai, India, next month.

Island Aviation hosted a press conference on Sunday confirming the news, and have stated that direct flights between Maafaru International Airport and Mumbai, India will begin on 13 April 2021.

Maafaru International Airport is a hotspot for tourist travel, with a high degree of traffic reported for private jets as well.

Island Aviation's Managing Director Mohamed Mihad said that the direct travel route to India is expected to boost tourism in Noonu, Raa, Baa and Lhaviyani atolls. He added that coordination efforts were now underway with Indian travel agents and resorts and guesthouses in the region to best utilize the opportunity.

Deputy Managing Director of Island Aviation Aishath Jennifer said that the initiation of direct flights between Maafaru and Mumbai were expected to have a positive impact on the Maldivian economy, and revealed that the flights would be made by aircrafts that had previously traveled to China.

Island Aviation have announced future plans to initiate direct flights between other Indian cities and the Maafaru International Airport.