Gulf Air begins direct service to Maldives

Gulf Air, the Kingdom’s national carrier celebrated its inaugural service to the Maldives as its flight GF144 landed in Velana International Airport in the capital, Male. 

The landing aircraft, a new Airbus 320neo, was welcomed with a water cannon salute and, upon arrival, a celebratory event was held at the airport, which saw the attendance of Gulf Air’s Chief Commercial Officer Vincent Coste, the Managing Director of Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation Thoyyib Mohamed and Chief Executive of Maldives Civil Aviation Authority Hussain Jaleel along with various dignitaries, a number of local media, travel industry representatives and airport officials.

“This is a remarkable event for us to fly, for the first time, to the Maldives. This tourist destination is widely popular amongst premium leisure travellers being honeymooners or families seeking luxurious holidays,” Coste said. “With five weekly direct flights between Bahrain and Male and with great connectivity through our hub, this destination promises to be a key route within our growing network,” he added.

“It’s an honour that “Gulf Air” the flag carrier of Bahrain has become our newest partner and we are confident that the airline will add value to our airport and benefit the Maldives in terms of Trade and Tourism and I thank Gulf Air Team for choosing Velana International Airport in their route expansion and I wish Gulf Air success in their future endeavours,” Acting Head of Operations of Maldives Airports Company Ltd Ibrahim Hareef said.   

Gulf Air will deploy its new aircraft the Airbus A320neo on this route. With its latest technologies, the aircraft is eco-friendly as it produces low fuel emissions while in the same time it is equipped with latest cabin comfort features.