Italy’s Neos airline resumes operations to Maldives

Italian airline, Neos, has resumed operations to the Maldives – after a temporary suspension in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the commencement of operations – Neos will be operating direct flights from Italy’s Rome and Milan to Velana International Airport.

Neos was operating to Maldives prior to the pandemic. The airline had also facilitated reparation flights to Italians who were stuck in the Maldives when the pandemic had first hit.

The operations to Maldives has been commenced by Neos about one month after the island nation was removed from Italy’s travel red list.

Maldives was removed from Italy’s travel red list on September 22; meaning those returning to Italy after traveling to Maldives will not have to undergo a quarantine period.

Italy is a major tourist market for the Maldives. Despite the pandemic – Maldives saw the arrival of 45,169 tourists from Italy during the course of last year. However, with Maldives on the red list for an extended period of time, only 7,205 tourist arrivals from Italy have been recorded as at the end of August.

With the commencement of direct flights by Neos between Italy and Maldives – as well as the removal of Maldives from Italy’s travel red list is expected to increase the number of tourist arrivals from Italy in the remainder of this year.