Qatar Airways is the first international airline resuming services to Velana International Airport; Malé, Maldives from 15 July 2020.
The airline has scheduled these flights to connect seamlessly via its award-winning hub, Hamad International Airport, with key European and American destinations, including London, Copenhagen, Stockholm and New York, while being one of the only global airlines to have maintained a significant schedule throughout this crisis.
Mr Yu Cha An Terence, Country Manager, Sri Lanka and Maldives said: “We are excited to resume scheduled flights to the very popular tourist destination of Malé, Maldives. We are even more delighted to know we are the first international airline to resume services, showing we are continuing to lead the way. Our passengers can travel with peace of mind knowing their safety on board is our utmost priority, and with the recommencement of these daily flights to Velana International Airport ; Malé, our passengers will have greater choice and flexibility when planning a holiday getaway. Qatar Airways’ wide network of flights during these challenging times has ensured we have implemented the most advanced safety and hygiene measures on board our aircraft and in our home and hub, Hamad International Airport. We have been the airline passengers can rely on during this crisis and we will continue to ensure the safest experience for our passengers as global travel slowly starts again.”
Mr. Moosa Solih, Acting Managing Director of Maldives Airports Company Ltd said: As the operator of Velana International Airport, we are happy to start our scheduled operations on 15th July 2020 after 3 and a half months. We are delighted to receive Qatar Airways as our first flight and we are glad to receive a number of airlines in the coming days. At Velana International Airport we have taken all viable safety measures and precautions as safety is our utmost priority. Our airport is set to welcome our passengers with a new seamless experience that I’m sure they will enjoy.
Located in the Indian Ocean, and just a five-hour flight from Doha, the picturesque islands are renowned for their immaculate white sandy beaches, magnificent diving spots and well-preserved natural wonders, all of which make it one of the world’s most exotic and tranquil leisure destinations.
Qatar Airways has further enhanced its on-board safety measures for passengers and cabin crew. The airline will provide all passengers with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits that will include a facemask, disposable gloves and hand sanitiser. In addition, passengers will be provided a face shield visor (available in adult and children size) at check-in in HIA and boarding gates at our international destinations. Qatar Airways has also introduced new PPE coverings for cabin crew that are fitted over their uniforms, along with safety glasses, gloves and a mask. Furthermore, our service on board has been modified to reduce interactions between passengers and crew. For full details of all the measures that have been implemented onboard and in HIA, please visit qatarairways.com/safety.
To ensure travelers can plan their travel with peace of mind, the airline has extended its booking policies to offer even more choice to its passengers. The airline will allow unlimited date changes, and passengers can change their destination as often as they need if it is within 5,000 miles of the original destination. The airline will not charge any fare differences for travel completed before 31 December 2020, after which fare rules will apply. All tickets booked for travel up to 31 December 2020 will be valid for two years from the date of issuance. For full terms and conditions visit www.qatarairways.com/RelyOnUs.
Flight Schedule:
Daily flights: Doha (DOH) to Male (MLE) QR0672 departs: 02:05 arrives 09:05
Male (MLE) to Doha (DOH) QR0675 departs: 20:00 arrives 22:45
The national carrier of the State of Qatar has built a strong level of trust with passengers, governments, trade and airports as a reliable partner during this crisis. With its plans for expanding its network and strengthening airline partnerships, the airline is well positioned to continue delivering on its mission to be the airline travelers can trust.