Maldivian resumes Male-Dhaka-Male flights with water salute at HSIA

Dhaka: Maldivian has resumed its direct Male-Dhaka-Male flight service, marking the occasion with a ceremonial water cannon salute at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) on Thursday, March 12, restoring direct air connectivity between the two South Asian nations ahead of the upcoming Eid travel rush.

The inaugural flight landed at HSIA at 5:20am, operated by an Airbus A320 with a full passenger load, and departed for Male at 6:20am, read a press release.

Arriving passengers were received by officials of the airline’s local General Sales Agent, Galaxy Aviation Services.

Initially, the airline will operate the route twice weekly on Sundays and Thursdays, with return fares starting from USD 399 (approximately BDT 47,880).

Passengers travelling on the service will enjoy a 30 kg baggage allowance and complimentary onboard meals, while tickets are available through Maldivian’s official website, mobile app, and call center.

The resumption of the route follows an agreement signed on February 23 between Maldivian Managing Director Mohamed Ibrahim Yasir and Galaxy Bangladesh Group President and CEO Ahmed Yusuf Walid.

The launch ceremony was attended by Shiuneen Rasheed, Ambassador of Maldives to Bangladesh; Maldivian Director of Ground Operations Ahmed Ibrahim; and General Manager (International Commercial) Mohamed Safah.

Speaking at the event, Ambassador Rasheed said the restored service would further strengthen bilateral relations and people-to-people connectivity between Bangladesh and the Maldives.

The timing of the launch coincides with the Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr travel season, facilitating the movement of Bangladeshi expatriates returning home as well as Maldivian travellers heading abroad.

Maldivian currently operates a fleet of 26 aircraft, including an Airbus A330 wide-body, Airbus A320, ATR aircraft, Dash-8 turboprops, and Twin Otter aircraft, serving a range of domestic and international destinations.