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Expanding direct flights between Russia and the Maldives is critical because Russia is the country’s second-largest source of visitors, and adding more carrier capacity directly fuels overall tourist arrivals, boosts visitor spending, and drives the nation's economic growth ahead of the peak travel season.
News Desk
Minister Mohamed Ameen and Russian State Secretary Dmitry Zverev during the agreement signing ceremony in Moscow. — Photo: Ministry of Tourism
MALÉ: The Maldives and Russia have officially agreed to increase direct flight connections between the two countries to further strengthen tourism and air travel.
Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen announced the agreement following a high-level meeting in Moscow with Russia’s State Secretary and Deputy Minister of Transport, Dmitry Zverev.
“We held productive discussions in Moscow with Russia’s State Secretary of Transport, Dmitry Zverev, and agreed to increase flight operations between both nations,” Minister Ameen stated in a post on X. He added that introducing additional Russian airlines to the route is expected to significantly support local tourism and improve travel connections.
Russia has consistently ranked among the top source markets for Maldivian tourism for several years.
Latest statistics released by the Ministry of Tourism show that Russia remains the second-largest contributor to tourist arrivals in the country. So far this year, the Maldives has welcomed 198,748 Russian tourists.
The expansion of flight capacity is expected to bring more visitors from Russia ahead of the upcoming peak holiday season.
