Maldives, Saudi seal deal to start air travel between two countries

Saudi Arabia and Maldives, on Tuesday, signed an agreement to officially start up air travel between the two countries.

The agreement is to start direct flights by national airline of Saudi Arabia, Saudia, to Maldives, as well as to start direct flights by Maldivian airlines to different Saudi Arabian cities.

The deal, which was made back on February 12, 2014 in Jeddah was officially sealed on Tuesday in a ceremony held at Hulhule Island Hotel.

The agreement was signed on behalf of Maldivian government by Tourism Minister Moosa Zameer – who is also the minister for Civil Aviation Authority, and on Saudi Arabian government by President of General Authority of Civil Aviation Sulaiman al-Hamdhan.

The agreement allows Maldivian airlines to operate 14 flights to Riyadh, Jeddah and Medina each week. While any number of flights can be operated to Dammam.

Speaking to press after signing the agreement, Minister Zameer said that the move would increase number of tourists from Saudi Arabia, and would be convenient for Maldivians who travel to Saudi Arabia for numerous purposes.

He also added that the move would strengthen the friendly ties between Maldives and Saudi Arabia.

As per the agreement, Mega Maldives has already started direct flights to Jeddah; While flights from Saudi will start on Wednesday.