China's Xiamen Airlines launches direct flights to Maldives

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced that the Chinese airline, Xiamen Airlines, has agreed to start direct flights to Maldives.

He arrived in Maldives yesterday after his first official visit to China, and stated that discussions were held during the visit to increase the number of tourists coming to Maldives from China.

The President said that many discussions were held at the highest level to increase direct flights between China and Maldives. Starting from this spring, Xiamen Airlines will offer direct flights to Maldives, which will further expand Maldives tourism market and attract more tourists from China. He noted that before COVID-19, China held the top spot for tourist arrivals to Maldives, thus the two countries have begun to collaborate to double the number of Chinese tourist arrivals in the next two years to take the number of arrivals past pre-COVID levels.

China was previously producing the highest number of tourist arrivals, however COVID-19 resulted in a sharp decline, which resulted in India producing the most tourist arrivals in 2023.

However, relations between the two countries have deteriorated with Maldivian activists responding to the anti-campaign launched by Indian social media activists in the name of promoting Lakshadweep.

China is once again trying to replace India as Maldives’ top market for tourism. The government is also working to reduce Maldives’ dependence on India for medical treatment, pharmaceuticals and staple foods.