Male’, Maldives, 4th March 2024 – China Eastern Airlines, a prominent player in China’s aviation sector, has recommenced its operations in the Maldives from Kunming following the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The airline recently reinstated its flights to the Maldives after a hiatus prompted by pandemic-related restrictions. To commemorate this significant development, a special ceremony took place at Velana International Airport, where a China Eastern Airlines aircraft received a ceremonial water salute upon its arrival yesterday evening.
Key figures, including Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal, Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives Wang Lixin, and other senior government officials, graced the occasion with their presence.
Before the pandemic, China held the distinction of being the primary source of tourists to the Maldives. However, travel restrictions and safety concerns led to a decline in Chinese tourist numbers during the height of the pandemic. With the resumption of operations, there has been a notable resurgence in the influx of tourists from China, indicative of a gradual recovery in the tourism sector.
In addition to China Eastern Airlines, several other airlines have also resumed flights to the Maldives, reflecting a positive trend towards the restoration of international travel links.
The resumption of China Eastern Airlines’ operations in the Maldives signifies a significant milestone in the recovery of the tourism industry, fostering hopes for a return to pre-pandemic levels of travel activity between China and the Maldives. As travel restrictions continue to ease and confidence in travel grows, the Maldives anticipates further revitalization of its tourism sector.
