The state-owned airline, Gulf Air, is to recommence flights to the Maldives from 12 December onwards.
Direct flights are to resume to and from Velana International Airport located in the Maldives, with 2 flights operating per week. The airline’s newest aircraft, Airbus 321neoLR, is to take on the flight route, featuring 16 lay-flat seats in Falcon Gold class and 150 seats in Economy class. The first flight to the Maldives by the airline was made back on 27 October 2019.
Gulf Air has now introduced a new pricing system for its airfares, allowing more convenience and flexibility to potential passengers. The new ‘boutique fares’ comes with three Economy Class and two Falcon Gold new fare options, providing ease to understand what travelers are paying for and to choose the option that best meets their travel needs. Each option provides multiple benefits including flexibility in changing itineraries, earning Falconflyer miles, advances seat selection, priority boarding, and Falcon Gold lounge access.
Travelers are expected to provide a negative PCR test to officials prior to their arrival in the Maldives. The PCR test must include relevant details such as the name and address of the laboratory that performed the testing, the result of the test, the date of testing as well as name and signature of the issuing officer. It must be submitted to Maldives Immigration via its IMUGA platform (imuga.immigration.gov.mv) when filling out the Traveler Health Declaration.
Even after providing a negative PCR test, airport authorities may still be liable to subject passengers to screening or any other surveillance measures during the arrival process of travelers. Visitors that show symptoms of the coronavirus and any individuals traveling with such visitors will be tested at their own expense.
With the reopening of International Borders, all tourists will receive a 30-day free on-arrival visa with a confirmed booking to stay at any registered tourist accommodation in the Maldives.
