AZAL connects Azerbaijan to 17 island destinations in Maldives

Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) has entered into a strategic partnership agreement with Maldivian, the national carrier of the Maldives, in a move set to significantly boost air connectivity and travel opportunities between Azerbaijan and the Indian Ocean archipelago.

According to a statement by AZAL, the agreement will allow AZAL passengers to seamlessly connect through Velana International Airport (MLE) to 17 domestic destinations across the Maldives via Maldivian’s extensive domestic flight network, Caliber.Az reports.

This collaboration is expected to deepen bilateral ties and facilitate growth in the tourism and aviation sectors of both countries. By leveraging Maldivian’s regional infrastructure and AZAL’s growing international presence, the partnership aims to make one of the world’s most sought-after tourist destinations more accessible to travelers from Azerbaijan and neighboring regions.

“This partnership with Maldivian marks a pivotal step in broadening our route network and solidifying our international footprint,” said Jamil Manizada, Chief Commercial Officer at AZAL. “It opens up new horizons for travelers from Azerbaijan and surrounding countries by bringing the Maldives — a globally renowned paradise — within closer reach. We believe this agreement lays the groundwork for a long-term and mutually beneficial collaboration between our two carriers.”

Maldivian, the leading airline in the Maldives, operates scheduled flights to all 17 domestic airports across the island nation, in addition to select international routes including India and China. The carrier is also renowned for its seaplane operations, offering critical inter-island connectivity that is essential for tourism and local transportation in the Maldives.

By Vafa Guliyeva