Spain’s national carrier launches flights to Maldives

Spain’s national carrier, Iberia has launched flights to Maldives – making it the only Indian Ocean destination the airline operates to.

The maiden flight landed at Velana International Airport carrying 218 Spanish tourists from Madrid on Saturday afternoon.

Iberia is using Airbus A330-300 and A330-200 aircrafts in its Male’-Madrid operations, and is offering cabins in Economy, Premium Economy, and Business class.

Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), which manages VIA, said that Iberia will hold three weekly flights between Male’ and Madrid until the end of August. The airline will operate flights from Madrid to Male’ on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and flights from Male’ to Madrid on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Hola, Maldives! We have just landed, for the first time in our history, in the Maldives. Welcome to Paradise. #IberiaFliesMaldives pic.twitter.com/BtliJhcisK

— Iberia_en (@Iberia_en) July 3, 2021

“The Maldives route represents Iberia’s first Indian Ocean destination, which happens to be one of the safest from COVID-19,” said Iberia’s Commercial, Network Development and Alliance Director, Maria Jesus Lopez Solas.

“Without doubt, Maldives is one of our star products for this summer, and at Iberia we’re committed to opening up new markets to attracting sustainable, quality tourism.”

MACL’s CEO and Managing Director Gordon Andrew Stewart welcomed Iberia on its maiden voyage to Maldives, and expressed confidence the airline will add value to VIA and boost Maldivian tourism.

Meanwhile, Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation’s Managing Director, Thoyyib Mohamed said Iberia’s maiden voyage to Maldives from Spain represents a new step for the Maldivian tourism industry and the connectivity between Southern Europe and Maldives.

“Iberia Airlines commitment and trust in the Maldives is yet another example of the industry’s’ belief that Maldives is one of the safest destinations to travel to right now. With our targeted marketing efforts in the Spanish market, we look forward to welcoming travelers from Spain and Southern Europe to the sunny side of life,” he said.