Maldivian resumes Male-Dhaka-Male flights ahead of Eid travel rush

Maldivian, the national carrier of the Maldives, resumed its Male-Dhaka-Male service yesterday with a ceremonial greeting at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA), reinstating direct connectivity between the two South Asian neighbours ahead of the Eid travel rush.

The inaugural flight, operated by an Airbus A320 carrying a full passenger load, landed at HSIA at 5:20am and departed for Male at 6:20am.

Initially, the airline will operate the route twice weekly, on Sundays and Thursdays, with return fares starting from $399 (approximately Tk 47,880).

Passengers will enjoy a 30-kilogramme baggage allowance and complimentary onboard meals. Tickets are available via Maldivian’s official website, mobile app and call centre (1671).

Mohamed Ibrahim Yasir, managing director of Maldivian, and Ahmed Yusuf Walid, president and CEO of Galaxy Bangladesh Group, signed the agreement following the resumption on February 23.

Shiuneen Rasheed, the ambassador of the Maldives to Bangladesh; Ahmed Ibrahim, director of ground operations at the airline; and Mohamed Safah, general manager (international commercial), attended the launching ceremony.

The timing of the service’s return coincides with the Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr travel season, facilitating travel for Bangladeshi expatriates returning home and Maldivian visitors heading abroad.

Maldivian currently operates a fleet of 26 aircraft, including an Airbus A330 wide-body aircraft, Airbus A320s, ATR aircraft, Dash 8 turboprops and Twin Otter aircraft, serving a range of domestic and international destinations.