Aeroflot airlines is to ramp up flight frequency while Russian airlines Rossiya is set to commence operations to the Maldives.
Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has revealed that Aeroflot will be increasing flight frequency from November 21. 8 flights per week are to be operated by the carrier to the Maldives. This means that in addition to the daily flights, the airline will conduct 2 flights to the Maldives on Sunday.
Russian airline Rossiya is also set to commence flights on 14th November. The airline will conduct flights between Russia and the Maldives every Saturday until March 21.
The Tourism Ministry has previously announced that Nordwind and Azur Air from Russia will also commence travel to the Maldives for the upcoming winter.
Russia has been a traditionally strong market for the Maldives. The year 2020 began with the market ranking as the fourth highest arrival market to the Maldives, with an increase of arrivals by 29.6% compared to January of 2019. Russia is currently ranked among the top 10 countries in terms of arrivals amidst the pandemic and is expected to increase the arrivals with the recent resumption of flights from Russia to Maldives.
Maldives opened borders to all nationalities from 15th July 2020. All visitors are granted a 30-day free on-arrival visa with a confirmed booking for a stay at any registered tourist facility in the country.
The paradise destination has also extended ‘Split Stay’ for all types of tourist accommodation facilities, allowing tourists to split their stay between resort, hotels, guesthouses and live aboard boats, with prior approval as per split-stay procedure and guideline by the Ministry of Tourism.
While there is no mandatory quarantine or testing on arrival, tourists traveling to Maldives are required to complete an online health declaration form and provide a negative PCR test result taken at least 96 hours prior to their departure.
The negative PCR test result must be attached while completing Traveler Health Declaration form, which has to be submitted online via IMUGA (www.imuga.immigration.gov.mv), by all arriving passengers before arrival (but not exceeding 24 hours before arrival time).
