Direct air connectivity between Dhaka and Malé has resumed after nearly two years, as Maldivian, the national airline of the Maldives, reinstated its regular service between the two capitals on Thursday.
The airline relaunched the route linking Dhaka with Velana International Airport, marking the end of a suspension that began in August 2024 amid political turmoil in Bangladesh.
The restoration of the service is expected to ease travel for expatriate workers, business travellers and tourists moving between the two countries.
Maldivian said the decision to resume the route was driven by strong demand from passengers, particularly members of the Bangladeshi expatriate community living and working in the Maldives.
The route also remains an important link for Maldivian travellers visiting Bangladesh for business trips, short stays and regional connections.
The first flight from Dhaka arrived in Malé on Thursday morning, where passengers were welcomed at the arrival terminal with flowers in a ceremony marking the relaunch of the service.
At Velana International Airport, the airline also organised a commemorative event for the inaugural departure from Malé, including a photo session with the first passenger to check in for the flight.
Passengers on the inaugural flights in both directions took part in a small onboard celebration as cabin crew marked the milestone with a cake-cutting ceremony.
The timing of the resumption is significant, coming in the final days of Ramadan when travel demand rises sharply ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr.
The route is expected to facilitate travel for many Bangladeshi workers in the Maldives returning home to celebrate the festival with their families.
Beyond the seasonal travel rush, the airline said the service will support year-round connectivity between the two destinations.
The Maldives remains a major workplace for thousands of Bangladeshi expatriates, while Bangladesh is also a growing source of tourists visiting the island nation.
Maldivian will operate the Dhaka–Malé service twice a week, with flights scheduled on Thursdays and Sundays.
The airline said flight timings have been arranged to ensure early morning arrivals in both cities, allowing passengers convenient onward connections within Bangladesh or easy transfers to resorts and other destinations across the Maldives.
Industry observers say the renewed air link could further strengthen tourism and labour mobility between the two countries while restoring a key regional travel corridor that had remained closed for an extended period.
