Bon Voyage: Hyderabad airport starts direct flights to Maldives

IndiGo started this new route from Hyderabad. The aircraft took off from Hyderabad to Malé amidst much fanfare at the airport. Senior officials from GMR Hyderabad International Airport and IndiGo, along with other airport stakeholders, were at the terminal to wish passengers and crew a bon voyage.

The IndiGo flight will depart from Hyderabad airport at 2.20 p.m (IST) and arrive at Maldives' Velana International Airport at 4.30 p.m (IST). The return flight from Malé will arrive in Hyderabad at 8.50 p.m (IST).

Initially, the flights will operate between Hyderabad International Airport and Malé thrice a week from 22 August (Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday). The frequency will increase to four times a week from 15 October (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday).

Pradeep Panicker, the CEO of GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd, said direct flights to Male will allow travelers from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh to enjoy the bright marine life with rich scenic splendors of the beaches of Maldives. "The hassle-free travel experience will attract holidaygoers, nature lovers and adventure junkies alike," he added.

William Boulter, the chief commercial officer of IndiGo, said the new route will offer access to an unparalleled international holiday destination to travelers from south India. "Maldives has been a favourite amongst Indians and more so after the pandemic. This new service will cater to the increased demand for international holiday travel from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana."

Hyderabad International Airport has firmly established itself as the 'Gateway of Choice' in south and central India. Its proximity for passengers from the nearby cities of Vijayawada, Vishakhapatnam, Nagpur, Bhubaneswar, Rajahmundry, Bhopal, and Tirupati has ushered in a large movement of air travellers visiting the city or transiting via Hyderabad to other international and domestic destinations.