Maldivian to Launch Direct Flights to South Korea in 2026

Island Aviation has announced that Maldivian will begin operating direct flights between the Maldives and South Korea in March 2026. Currently, there are no direct connections between the two countries. The move aims to provide convenient travel options for both tourists and business travelers.

In preparation, Maldivian has opened applications for General Sales Agents (GSAs) in selected cities in South Korea. The appointed GSA will be responsible for ticket sales, marketing, customer relations, and strengthening the Maldivian brand in the Korean market.

The initial GSA contract will be for three years, with the possibility of a two-year extension based on performance. Maldivian plans to finalize the contract by October 31, 2025, and officially sign the agreement on November 6, 2025, ahead of the launch.

Proposals for the GSA role must be submitted by 3:00 PM on October 7, 2025. Evaluation will be based on both technical (60%) and financial (40%) criteria. Technical considerations include company profile, industry experience, IATA accreditation, staff capacity, partnerships with travel agencies and online platforms, and digital marketing capabilities. Financial evaluation will cover audited accounts from the past three years, shareholder equity, liquidity, asset turnover, profit margins, and commission percentage.

According to Island Aviation, the introduction of direct flights to South Korea is expected to boost arrivals from a key tourism market and strengthen business ties between the two nations.