Maldives’ national carrier, Maldivian, has officially commenced its new wide-body operations to Shanghai, marking a significant expansion of its Chinese network. Shanghai becomes the airline’s third destination in China, following the successful launch of flights to Chengdu and Beijing earlier this month.
The airline’s long-haul operations to China are being operated using its newly acquired wide-body Airbus A330-200 aircraft. Weekly flights are now scheduled to all three Chinese destinations, offering passengers enhanced comfort and connectivity.
To celebrate the new route, Maldivian has announced a special promotional fare, offering discounts of 30% to 50% on current fare rates in China. Passengers booking under the promotional fare will also benefit from a generous 40kg baggage allowance and complimentary in-flight meals.

The inaugural flight to Shanghai is set to return to the Maldives on Wednesday, symbolizing a new chapter in the airline’s growth and its commitment to strengthening ties between the Maldives and China.
The Airbus A330-200, with a seating capacity of 264 passengers, features three cabin classes: economy, business, and premium. The acquisition of this state-of-the-art aircraft fulfills an electoral pledge by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to introduce two wide-body aircraft for Island Aviation Services Ltd., the operator of Maldivian. The government has also revealed plans to acquire an additional wide-body aircraft and initiate flights to European destinations by October 2024.
The introduction of direct flights to China is expected to significantly boost tourist arrivals and trade between the two nations, further solidifying the Maldives’ position as a key player in the global aviation industry.
With its expanded fleet and network, Maldivian is poised to enhance its reputation as a reliable and customer-focused airline, offering travelers more options and world-class service.
For more information on flight schedules and promotional fares, visit Maldivian’s official website or contact their customer service team.