China Eastern Airlines officially resumed direct flights from Kunming to Velana International Airport (VIA) on the evening of Wednesday, February 28, 2024.

The inaugural flight from Kunming, operated by China Eastern Airlines, was warmly received by Minister of Tourism Ibrahim Faisal, alongside other high-ranking government officials and representatives from relevant institutions.

In addition to government dignitaries, the Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives, Wang Lixin, was also in attendance at VIA to extend a welcoming gesture to the China Eastern flight.

The first arrival of a China Eastern flight to the Maldives was commemorated with a water salute, signifying the significance of this event.

Given China’s pivotal role as a tourist market for the Maldives, the resumption of China Eastern flights is anticipated to significantly boost tourist arrivals from the country.

As of February 26, the number of Chinese arrivals in the Maldives has already surpassed 50,000, solidifying China as the leading source market for tourist arrivals to the country on an annual basis.