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The Maldives and Ethiopia have signed an air services agreement establishing a framework for direct scheduled flights, paving the way for Ethiopian Airlines and national carrier Maldivian to operate routes between both countries.
News Desk
The sigining ceremony of air service and direct flights between Maldives and Ethiopia - Photo: Transport Ministry
The Maldives and Ethiopia signed a landmark bilateral air services agreement today, establishing a legal framework for direct scheduled flights between the two nations.
The official signing took place at the Ministry of Transport, where Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen signed on behalf of the Maldives, and Director General Yohannes Abera Belete represented the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority.
Minister Ameen noted that Ethiopia marks the sixth African nation to execute an air services agreement with the Maldives, joining Egypt, Mauritius, Rwanda, Seychelles, and South Africa.
The minister explained that the deal follows formal interest expressed by Ethiopian Airlines—Africa’s largest carrier—to launch direct flight operations connecting Addis Ababa to the Maldives.
Key highlights of the agreement include:
Direct Flights: Paves the way for Ethiopian Airlines to launch direct commercial routes connecting Addis Ababa and Male'.
"Maldivian," operational rights to fly directly to Ethiopia.
Economic Growth: Opens up new avenues for tourism, trade, and commercial expansion between Africa and the Maldives.
Minister Ameen emphasized that strengthening global air connectivity remains a vital strategy for the government to boost tourist arrivals, diversify market access, and drive long-term economic sustainability. He added that the step moves the Maldives closer to its goal of establishing direct links with major transit hubs across the globe.
