China Southern Airlines has stated that flights to the Maldives would begin in February 2023. The flights will operate three times per week from Guangzhou to Velana International Airport (VIA), on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, with a capacity of 280 people.

Following the restoration of direct flight connection between China and the Maldives on January 18, Chinese tourist arrivals to the destination increased significantly, vaulting into the top ten source markets for the year. The first flight bringing Chinese passengers, operated by Beijing Capital Airlines from Beijing, was a watershed moment in the Maldives’ tourism industry’s comeback. With 5,390 arrivals as of January 29, China has swiftly ascended to become the eighth-largest source market.

Other airlines have also announced intentions to launch direct flights to the Maldives, including China Eastern Airlines, which will begin flying twice weekly from Shanghai on February 4 and Hong Kong Airlines in May.