Saudi Airlines to double flights to Maldives
Saudi Arabia is also funding a grand mosque in Malé that can accommodate 6,000 worshippers. Last week, the housing ministry awarded the US$24 million project to Turkish company Alke-Turmaks.
06 Mar 2017, 9:00 AM
Saudi Arabian Airlines, the kingdom’s flagship national carrier, is planning to increase weekly flights to the Maldives from two to four, Arab News has reported, citing the Maldivian ambassador to Saudi Arabia.
Ambassador Abdulla Hameed told the paper that the two additional flights from Jeddah to Malé would increase the number of Saudi tourists to the Maldives, which rose from 15,749 in 2015 to 21,944 last year.
Despite the 39 percent annual growth, Saudi tourists accounted for a market share of just 1.5 percent in 2016. Total arrivals from the Middle East accounted for a four percent market share with 51,330 tourists, up 22.3 percent from the previous year.
The announcement comes ahead of the official visit of King Salman bin Abdulaziz to the Maldives in mid-March and a forthcoming multi-billion investment by the kingdom in Faafu atoll.
Become a member
Get full access to our archive and personalise your experience.
Already a member?
Discussion
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!
No comments yet. Be the first to join the conversation!
Join the Conversation
Sign in to share your thoughts under an alias and take part in the discussion. Independent journalism thrives on open, respectful debate — your voice matters.
