Second Airbus A-330 will begin operations in October says President

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu announced that Maldivian’s second Airbus A-330 aircraft will begin operations in October 2025, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s expansion efforts. The announcement was made during a ceremony at Velana International Airport (VIA) to welcome the first-ever wide-body aircraft to the national carrier’s fleet.

The addition of these two Airbus A-330s is part of Maldivian's strategy to broaden its international operations. The first of the two aircraft landed in the Maldives on Monday afternoon, and the airline plans to use it to launch direct flights to three key Chinese cities—Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu.
President Muizzu highlighted that the expansion of international routes would not only increase tourist arrivals but also stimulate the local economy. “We anticipate the Island Aviation and Maldives Airports Company Limited will make new strides in the next couple of days,” Muizzu said.
Maldivian aims to extend its global reach with flights to seven new destinations, including

Johannesburg in South Africa, and three cities in Europe. While the airline had previously operated routes to South Africa and China, the new long-haul aircraft will allow for direct flights, enhancing convenience and connectivity for travelers. Currently, Maldivian operates 13 aircraft, including the Airbus A320 and ATRs.