Russia's leisure airline Nordwind to launch operations to Maldives

Nordwind Airlines, a leisure airline from Russia, is scheduled to launch operations to Maldives this October.

Nordwind is scheduled to launch operations to Maldives on October 27, and will hold two weekly flights between Male’ and Moscow.

Nordwind primarily operates within Russia, and between Russia and destinations in the Mediterranean and Indian Ocean.

The airline currently operates to 98 destinations in 28 different countries.

Nordwind’s decision to launch operations to Maldives comes amid a rise in popularity for the destination among Russian holiday travelers.

Meanwhile, the Russian flag carrier Aeroflot, which previously operated two weekly flights between Male’ and Moscow, has recently made the decision to increase frequency to four weekly flights.

Maldives reopened its borders on July 15 and is currently open for all tourists, provided they have proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken maximum 96 hours before departure from their original destination.

Russia has been the top source market for tourist arrivals since Maldives reopened its borders, with total 4,817 tourist arrivals between July 15 to October 15.