Etihad Airways today announced four additional weekly flights on the popular Abu Dhabi – Malé route, taking frequency to the idyllic Maldives to 11 services a week from June next year.
The extra
flights, effective 15 June 2018, will operate year-round and provide more
travel options with an early morning arrival enabling guests to maximise their stay
in the Maldives.
In addition to providing greater choice and
flexibility for UAE and GCC
residents, overall connectivity and timing options
between the Maldives and key countries on Etihad Airways’ European network will
be enhanced. These include the major markets of the UK, Germany, France, Italy
and Russia.
The
expansion from the current daily operation will continue to see a two-class
A320 aircraft on the route, offering 16 seats in Business Class and 120 in
Economy.
Peter Baumgartner,
Etihad Airways Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are
increasing frequency to 11 flights a week in order to cater to growing demand
on the route, and to provide our guests with more choice of flights so that
they can make the most of their stay in the Maldives.”
Since launching the
route in November 2011, Etihad Airways has flown more than 550,000 passengers to and from the Maldives. Visitors
from the UAE increased 35 per cent over the past 12 months, while Europe
continues to be the main source market for the Maldives, one of the world’s premium
honeymoon and leisure destinations.
The additional flights
(*) will operate every Monday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 15 June 2018.
Flight No. |
Origin |
Departs |
Dest. |
Arr. |
Freq. |
Aircraft |
EY 278 |
Abu Dhabi |
08.40 |
Malé |
14.05 |
Daily |
Airbus A320 |
EY 279 |
Malé |
20:35 |
Abu Dhabi |
23:50 |
Daily |
Airbus A320 |
EY 260 * |
Abu Dhabi |
00:55 |
Malé |
06:20 |
Mon, Fri, Sat and Sun |
Airbus A320 |
EY 261 * |
Malé |
18:50 |
Abu Dhabi |
22:05 |
Mon, Fri, Sat and Sun |
Airbus A320 |