The national airline of India, Air India celebrates 46 years of voyages to the Maldives. On 21st February 2022, an Air India flight to the Maldives was welcomed at Male airport with a customary water cannon salute on Monday to commemorate 46 years of air service between India and the Maldives.
The plane taxied through two water cannons forming an arch. A water cannon salute is a mark of respect. Air India flew its first plane to Male from Trivandrum, Kerala, in February 1976.
Almost 69 years after nationalization, Air India became part of the Tata Group, its founder, and the government officially transferred the airline to Tata Group last month.
Amid the Covid pandemic, the air bubble arrangement between India and the Maldives continues. “Transport Bubbles” are temporary arrangements between two countries for resuming commercial passenger services while regular international flight suspension continues.
