Bulgarian airline GullivAir is set to introduce a new direct connection between the Maldives and Bulgaria, with scheduled flights between Malé and Sofia beginning on 6 November 2026. The seasonal service will operate through 26 March 2027, providing a non-stop link between the two destinations throughout the 2026/27 winter season.

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The route will operate once a week in each direction using an Airbus A330-200 wide-body aircraft. Flights from Malé to Sofia are scheduled to depart every Friday at 4:30pm and arrive in the Bulgarian capital at 11:30pm local time. The return service will leave Sofia every Saturday at 7:45pm and reach Malé at 7:15am the following morning.

Passengers travelling on the long-haul service will receive two hot meals and beverages during the flight, while baggage allowances and additional onboard services will depend on the fare selected at the time of booking.

The new connection will give travellers from the Maldives direct access to Bulgaria, including Sofia and a range of winter, cultural and wellness destinations across the country. Bulgaria is home to established ski destinations such as Bansko, Borovets and Pamporovo, as well as spa and wellness centres including Velingrad, Hisarya and Sandanski.

Beyond its winter tourism offerings, Bulgaria provides a range of cultural and historical attractions, including Plovdiv, Rila Monastery and Veliko Tarnovo. The direct service will give Maldivian travellers an opportunity to combine city breaks with skiing, mountain experiences, wellness stays and cultural visits within a single trip.

For the Maldives, the new route adds another direct European connection during the winter travel season and strengthens air links with Southeast Europe. It will also provide travellers from Bulgaria with easier access to the Maldives during a key period for outbound winter travel, creating a more convenient connection between the two tourism markets.

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GullivAir, which operates passenger services from Sofia to international destinations, is continuing to develop its scheduled network through new leisure and business connections. The Malé-Sofia service marks a further expansion of its direct international offering.