China's Chongqing Airlines commence flights to Maldives

China's Chongqing Airlines launches direct flights to the Maldives on Monday, June 24.

The airline will operate three weekly flights on Mondays Wednesdays and Fridays, traveling from Chongqing to Velana International Airport (VIA).

Chongqing Airline's maiden flight to the Maldives landed at VIA on Monday afternoon carrying 82 passengers.

This is the fourth Chinese airline to launch Maldives routes, following Beijing Capital Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, and Sichuan Airline.

Xiamen, held chartered flights between Male-China route earlier in February.

Besides four Chinese airlines now operating flights to the Maldives, Hong Kong's flagship carrier launched direct flights to Maldives earlier as well.

The addition of Chongqing Airlines into the list of Chinese airlines operating flights to Maldives, is expected to significantly boost Chinese arrivals to the Maldives.

Meanwhile, China is the top tourist market to the Maldives with over 113,000 travelers reported as of June 22, according to the Ministry of Tourism.