Maldives first jetliner to land in Chennai on Nov 15

Chennai:

Maldives first jetliner is set to land in Chennai on November 15 as the country’s national carrier Maldivian plans to target the leisure market, medical tourism and the business segment.

Addressing a press conference, Maldivian deputy minister for tourism, arts and culture Mohamed Maleeh Jamal and managing director of Madivian, Abdul Harris said that the country’s national carrier is expanding its regional routes and commencing direct flights to Mumbai, Chennai and Dhaka with the addition of first jetliner A 320 to its fleet of eight aircraft.

“The new route Male-Chennai-Dhaka will open from November 15 and subsequently the Male-Mumbai services will open from November 16,” said Harris.

Interestingly, plans are also on to connect New Delhi and Kolkata. “The New Delhi route is expected to function from next year,” he added.

The minister highlighted the huge potential Chennai holds in medical tourism. “Maldivian flights to Chennai will cater for a number of key markets. Chennai is already a famous medical hub with a number of internationally known hospitals. Maldivian will be working closely with Apollo Hospitals Chennai to promote medical tourism from both Maldives and Bangladesh,” Jamal said.

Harris said there is also a considerable demand for business travel from various parts of Tamil Nadu to Dhaka. Furthermore, Chennai being the capital city of the State of Tamil Nadu, is already a popular tourist destination among foreigners.

Maldivian will be operating three weekly flights to Chennai-Dhaka on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and to Mumbai flights on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.