Maldivian and Emirates Airline have announced an interline partnership, enabling Emirates’ customers to access 16 popular holiday destinations in the Maldives beyond Malé.
The agreement follows last year’s signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two airlines to explore opportunities for mutual cooperation.
The interline agreement will create more options for Emirates customers when travelling to the Maldives, utilising both carriers’ services and networks on a single ticket while also enhancing the customer experience throughout the journey.
Customers travelling to island destinations in the Maldives will now be able to reap the benefit of flying into more popular holiday spots after connecting easily and seamlessly from the Velana International Airport in the North Malé atoll. Emirates passengers will link to Maldivian’s services to reach a choice of domestic points for their island getaway.
“We are delighted to establish a partnership with Maldivian, to expand our reach into more points in the Maldives. By partnering with the Maldivian flag carrier, we are able to offer customers smooth connections when flying to a wide choice of islands within the country via Malé,” said Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Chief Commercial Officer.
“By extending this added-value benefit, our customers from across the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and Americas can plan their journey to the Maldives with the convenience of booking flights on a single ticket to reach their final destination.”
From 15 September, travel itineraries can be booked on emirates.com, the Emirates mobile app, or preferred travel agents for flights effective immediately.
“We are excited to embark on this journey with Emirates, a global aviation leader. This partnership would enable us to increase the visibility of our extensive domestic network and it aligns perfectly with our objective of providing seamless connectivity to travellers,” said Ibrahim Hamdhan Mohamed, General Manager – Commercial at Maldivian.
“Customers will be able to plan and book their entire journey directly through the airline with ease. As the national carrier we always strive to make Maldives more accessible to travelers from around the world and we believe the partnership with Emirates will strengthen our position as the leading airline in Maldives.”
Emirates customers can fly to airports in a selection of the popular atolls via Malé including Dharavandhoo Island (DRV), Faresmathoda Airport (FMT), Funadhoo Airport (FND), Fuvahmulak Island Airport (FVM), Gan Island International (GAN), Kooddoo Island (GKK), Hanimaadhoo Island Airport (HAQ), Kulhudhuffushi Airport (HDK), Hoarafushi Airport (HRF), Kaadedhdhoo Island Airport (KDM), Kadhdhoo Island (KDO), Madivaru Airport (LMV), Maafaru International Airport (NMF), Maavarulu Airport (RUL), Thimarafushi Airport (TMF), and Ifuru (IFU).
Furthermore, customers spending their holidays at other resort islands can also enjoy the convenience of travelling to the closest point in the interline network and are within reach of their final destination with only a short ride, by seaplane or boat.
As the partnership between both airlines evolves, more benefits and conveniences will be added to enhance the customer experience when travelling to the Maldives, the airlines said.
Emirates has supported the development and growth of tourism as well as trade in the Maldives for more than three and a half decades. The award-winning global airline commenced operations to Malé in 1987 and now operates 28 flights a week between Dubai and the Maldives.
With a choice of four flights per day to Malé, customers from across Emirates’ network of almost 140 points have the flexibility to choose flights and enjoy the convenience of minimal connection times.
Through its 29 codeshare, 11 Intermodal and 117 interline partners, Emirates boasts a global footprint that encompasses destinations far beyond its own network, offering increased connectivity and convenient options for travellers.
Maldivian, the national airline of the country, is the leading domestic carrier with a scheduled network comprising 16 domestic sectors. Maldivian operates the largest wheel-based fleet in the country which includes DeHavilland Dash 8 and ATR aircraft.
Maldivian Seaplane, which consists of DeHavilland DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft, further enhances the airline’s domestic operation by providing specialised tourist air transportation service connecting customers directly to the doorstep of their chosen resort. Operating from its hub in Male’, the airline provides international scheduled flights to cities in India and Bangladesh.
