One of the biggest airlines in Russia, Nordwind Airlines has commenced direct flights to the Maldives. The airline is also one of the biggest airlines in Russia in terms of passenger turnover and has one of the most expansive route networks of scheduled flights in the country.

Nordwind flight arrived at the Maldives main international airport, Velana International Airport on Sunday, and the staff of Maldives Airports Company Limited gave them a warm welcome. The airline’s charter flights will operate between Russia’s St. Petersburg and VIA, with weekly flights scheduled on Sundays.

Russia is one of the top source markets for Maldives tourism. By the end of November, 204,813 tourists had visited the Maldives from Russia.