Source: Iberia

  • Starting on July, the Spanish airline will make three weekly flights to the islands’ capital, Malé.
  • Using Airbus A330-200 and A330-300 that carry up to 288-292 passengers, respectively.
  • On its Airbus A330/300, Iberia offers Business, Premium Economy and Economy cabins.

“Nothing makes the crew more excited than to share with all of you this maiden flight to the Maldivas. Keep your eyes on the windows because the Velana International airport will welcome us with a fantastic water arch”, with this words the captain announced to the passengers the arrivall to Maldives.

With its maiden flight IB6791 -operated by A-330/300 EC-LYF and with 218 passsengers-, Iberia has arrived to the heavenly Maldives, famed for natural beauty, turquoise waters and white beaches –and also safe from COVID.

From July until 30 August 2021, the Spanish airline will make three weekly flights to  the islands’ capital, Malé, departing from Madrid on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and returning on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Both outgoing and incoming flights are timed for easy connections in Madrid to other Iberia destinations in Spain and the rest of Europe

From To Departs- local Arrives- local Days
Madrid Malé 21:20 hrs 11:25 hrs

next day

 Monday, Wednesday and Friday
Malé Madrid 22:00 hrs 06:10 hrs

next day

 Wednesday, Friday and Sunday

The Maldives, Iberia’s first Indian Ocean destination

Iberia will use Airbus A-330/200 and A330/300 on the route, with capacity for 288-292 passengers, respectively, with a total of 15.120 seats. On its Airbus A330/300, Iberia offers Business, Premium Economy and Economy cabins. “The Maldives route represents Iberia’s first Indian Ocean destination, which happens to be one of the safest from COVID-19,” noted Iberia’s Commercial, Network Development & Alliances Director, María Jesús López Solás. “Without doubt Maldives in one of our star products for this summer, and at Iberia we´re committed to opening up new markets and to attracking sustainable, quality tourism” she added.

Since Iberia announced its new route, major tour operators have also designed packages and reserved blocks of seats on the new flights. Initially, Iberia scheduled two weekly frequencies but, finally, will now offer three flights due to good acceptance of the destination.

Gordon Andrew Stewart, CEO and Managing Director of Maldives Airports Ltd: “It is a special previlege to welcome Iberia, the flagship carrier of Spain on its maiden voyage. The direct flights from Madrid to Maldives will surely open doors for a much stronger European connection in the days ahead. We are confident that Iberia will add value to our airport and boost Maldives tourism. I would like to convey my special thanks on behalf of Maldives Airports Company Ltd to the Iberia team for choosing Velana International Airport in their route expansion”.

Maldives Marketing & PR Corporation’s Managing Director, Mr. Thoyyib Mohamed said: “Iberia Airlines’ maiden voyage to the Maldives from Spain represents a new step for the Maldivian tourism industry and the connectivity between Southern Europe and the Maldives. Iberia Airlines commitment and trust in the Maldives is yet another example of the industrys’ belief that Maldives is one of the safest destinations to travel to right now. With our targeted marketing efforts in the Spanish market, we look forward to welcoming travelers from Spain and Southern Europe to the sunny side of life”.

Iberia is flying to the one of the safest airports in the world. Tackling Covid-19 pandemic Velana International Airport has kept its high standard measures assuring passenger’s safety. As a result on September 2020, it was awarded the ACI Health Accreditation certificate as the second airport from Asia Pacific and on January 2021 received the ACI Voice of the customer recognition award.