In response to the growing demand during the holiday season, Maldivian, the national airline of the Maldives, has significantly increased its flight offerings. Between now and the end of January 2026, the airline has scheduled more than 3,700 flights across 17 destinations, catering to the travel needs of an estimated 197,000 passengers. These additions are part of a strategic move by Island Aviation, which operates the airline, to ensure smooth and efficient travel for both domestic and international passengers.
Increased Flights to Jeddah and Other Destinations
One of the key highlights of the expanded schedule is the additional flights to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This increase in services comes as the airline anticipates a rise in Umrah pilgrims, many of whom travel during the school holiday period. The Maldivian airline has added more than 20 extra flights to Jeddah, helping to meet the surge in demand for pilgrimage travel. The increase in Umrah flights is a direct response to the growing number of pilgrims seeking to perform their religious duties, with the airline ensuring that they can accommodate as many passengers as possible during this busy time.
The airline’s expanded services also reflect a broader trend in holiday season travel, where an uptick in passenger numbers is typically seen. Maldivian has always been responsive to these peaks in demand, adjusting its flight schedules accordingly.
Additional Flights to India and Southeast Asia
As the demand for Umrah travel rises, the airline has also increased its operations to India. Flights to Cochin and Trivandrum in southern India have been ramped up, with a total of 10 weekly flights now scheduled to these popular destinations. These flights have been operating five times a week since December 19, 2025, and the airline plans to operate more than 40 extra flights to Cochin and Trivandrum during the peak season. This surge in flights to India is part of Maldivian’s ongoing efforts to meet the travel needs of Indian tourists and those traveling for religious purposes.
In addition to India, Maldivian has also increased services to Bangkok, Thailand, and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. These routes will see four additional flights per week, ensuring that passengers can travel easily to these popular destinations during the holidays. These expanded services to Southeast Asia also reflect Maldivian’s focus on maintaining a strong network of regional connections while meeting the increased travel demand.
Meeting the Growing Travel Demand
The surge in demand for both international and domestic flights has led Maldivian to adjust its schedule significantly. The airline’s A320 aircraft, which are typically used for short-haul routes, will be utilized for these additional services to ensure that the airline can handle the influx of passengers. The total number of scheduled flights for this period has risen to more than 3,700 across 17 destinations, with the expectation that 197,000 passengers will be flying during this period. These numbers reflect the high demand for air travel, particularly around the holiday season, and demonstrate the airline’s commitment to providing excellent service during peak periods.
Maldivian’s decision to expand its operations during the holiday season is driven by a number of factors, including the influx of Umrah pilgrims and the desire to accommodate Maldivian residents and international tourists visiting the Maldives. The airline is focused on ensuring that travelers have the opportunity to visit family, explore new destinations, or fulfill religious obligations without facing delays or overcrowding.
Strategic Response to Seasonal Peaks
The airline’s schedule adjustments are not limited to the international sector. Domestic flights within the Maldives have also seen increases, with more services being offered between the country’s main airport, Velana International Airport, and other islands across the archipelago. This is particularly important as the Maldives is a popular destination for both international and local tourists during the holiday period. By increasing its domestic capacity, Maldivian ensures that all passengers have access to the flights they need to travel around the islands.
Island Aviation, the company behind Maldivian, has made it a priority to ensure that travelers’ needs are met, whether they are heading to nearby islands or embarking on long-haul international journeys. This proactive approach is part of a broader strategy to maintain the airline’s reputation for reliability, particularly during the busy travel months. The airline has also focused on offering competitive pricing to attract both local and international travelers, while still ensuring that it provides top-notch service.
Sustainability and Future Outlook
Looking ahead, Maldivian is expected to continue expanding its network of flights to meet future demand, particularly as travel patterns shift in the coming years. The airline’s ability to increase its services during peak periods is an indication of its flexibility and capacity to handle high-volume seasons. Additionally, Island Aviation has committed to sustainability in its operations, making efforts to reduce emissions and improve the overall environmental impact of air travel in the region.
Conclusion
Maldivian has proven itself adept at adjusting its flight schedules to meet the demands of its passengers, particularly during peak seasons like the school holidays. With over 3,700 flights scheduled between now and the end of January 2026, the airline is prepared to handle the estimated 197,000 passengers traveling to and from the Maldives. The expanded services to Jeddah, India, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur demonstrate Maldivian’s commitment to providing accessible, reliable, and affordable travel options for both international and domestic travelers. As the airline continues to meet the demands of the holiday season, its ability to scale operations efficiently ensures that passengers will have a seamless and enjoyable travel experience throughout this busy period.
The post Maldivian Expands Flights to Jeddah, Cochin, Trivandrum, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur for the Holiday Rush! appeared first on Travel And Tour World.
