Air India will be commencing direct operations between the Maldives and New Delhi as well as Bangalore, India.
Before the closure of borders due to COVID-19, the airline had been operating to these destinations. However, after the borders reopened, operations were only held between Trivandrum and Male’ City.
Air India operations between Bangalore and New Delhi to Male’ City are set to commence on February 5. More Indian airlines are also currently operating between these destinations. Indigo is one of these airlines that currently holds flights through this route. India is an important tourist market for the Maldives. Maldives and India were the first nations in Asia to establish a travel bubble after the pandemic hit the world.
Air India is the flag carrier airline of India, headquartered at New Delhi. It is owned by Air India Limited, a government-owned enterprise, and operates a fleet of Airbus and Boeing aircraft serving 102 domestic and international destinations. The airline has its hub at Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, alongside several focus cities across India. Air India is the largest international carrier out of India with an 18.6% market share.
Although tourists arriving in the Maldives are not subjected to mandatory 14-day quarantine, a negative PCR test, along with a completed Traveler Health Declaration Form, must be submitted online via IMUGA (www.imuga.immigration.gov.mv) before arrival. The negative PCR test remains valid for 96 hours, stated by the ministry of tourism in the Maldives. Tests exceeding this time period are invalid and must be retaken. Keep in mind, visitors that show signs of symptoms of COVID-19, along with individuals traveling with them, will be tested at their expense.
Photo Credit: Air India
