New Direct Routes to the Maldives for 2025/2026
Exciting news for Maldives travelers: new direct flights are making paradise more accessible than ever. Here's what's launching.
Getting to the Maldives keeps getting easier as airlines recognize the surging demand for this bucket-list destination. Here's everything we know about new and expanded routes for 2025/2026.
New Routes Launching
British Airways - London Gatwick to Malé Launch: Winter 2025 Frequency: 3x weekly, increasing to daily
After years of relying on connection flights, British travelers finally get a direct option on their national carrier. The route will operate using a Boeing 777-200, offering Club World, World Traveller Plus, and World Traveller cabins.
Why it matters: Direct competition should help keep prices down on the lucrative UK-Maldives route.
IndiGo - Multiple Indian Cities to Malé Launch: Already operating, expanding 2025 New routes: Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru (adding to existing Delhi/Mumbai)
India is now the largest source market for Maldives tourism, and IndiGo is capitalizing with aggressive expansion. Their low-cost model brings competitive pricing.
Why it matters: Budget-friendly options from India are transforming the Maldives accessibility.
United Airlines - Newark to Malé Launch: Expected late 2025 Frequency: 3x weekly initially
The long-rumored US direct route may finally become reality. United has been evaluating the route and industry sources suggest an announcement is imminent.
Why it matters: Would cut travel time from the US East Coast significantly.
Expanded Routes
Emirates - Dubai to Malé Update: Adding fourth daily flight
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Emirates already dominates the route but is adding capacity. The fourth daily frequency makes connections from virtually anywhere in the world more convenient.
Singapore Airlines - Singapore to Malé Update: Upgrading to A350 on all flights
The new aircraft means more premium seats and a better product overall. Singapore remains one of the best connection points for travelers from Asia and Australasia.
Qatar Airways - Doha to Malé Update: Increasing to triple daily
Qatar is making a strong play for the Maldives market with increased frequency and competitive pricing.
Best Current Booking Options
If you're booking now, here are the current best options by region:
From UK:
- Emirates via Dubai (multiple daily)
- Qatar Airways via Doha (double daily)
- Sri Lankan via Colombo (budget option)
From US:
- Emirates via Dubai (from NYC, LAX, SFO, and more)
- Qatar Airways via Doha (from many US cities)
- Singapore Airlines via Singapore (from LAX, SFO, SEA, JFK)
From Australia:
- Singapore Airlines via Singapore
- Sri Lankan via Colombo
- Emirates via Dubai (longer but more frequency)
From Asia:
- Singapore Airlines (Singapore)
- Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong
- Direct options from India, China, Hong Kong
Booking Tips
- Book early for new routes: Launch fares are often the best deals
- Consider positioning flights: Sometimes flying to a hub city first saves money
- Check Maldivian: The national carrier offers competitive rates from many Asian cities
- Use frequent flyer miles: Premium cabin awards to the Maldives offer exceptional value
- Monitor fare alerts: New route competition often triggers price wars
What This Means for Travelers
More routes mean:
- More competition = potentially lower prices
- More convenient connections
- More availability during peak seasons
- Better redemption options for points and miles
The Maldives is no longer the far-flung destination it once was. With direct or single-connection flights from virtually every major city, paradise has never been more accessible.
We'll keep updating this article as new routes are announced. Sign up for our newsletter to stay informed about the latest flight deals and route updates.
