Located in the heart of the Indian Ocean, the Maldives has everything needed for the perfect summer vacation. With crystal clear waters, gorgeous white sandy beaches, and coral reefs, it’s not hard to see why so many people are absolutely in love with the over 1,000 islands.
Plus, the Maldives is renowned for having some of the most luxurious all-inclusive resorts and best honeymoon resorts in the world. What’s not to love?
Recently, this stunning destination has attracted more flights from a number of cities around the world, making it super easy to access the islands from almost anywhere on the globe.
With an ever-increasing number of airlines offering services to the islands, here’s a guide to the best airlines to fly to the Maldives.
Which Airlines Fly to Maldives?
If you’ve been wondering, ‘what airlines fly to the Maldives?’ here are the top options for you to consider.
Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways is known for many things, but what they really stand out for is their exceptional service and passenger comfort. It’s no wonder that they have won the Skytrax Award for the best airline in the world six times, most recently claiming the title in 2021.
The airline offers flights to the Maldives via the Hamad International Airport in Doha. If you’re flying to Maldives from the US, you’ll be happy to know that Qatar operates flights out of more than 10 cities in America. They also operate daily flights between Doha and Male, the Maldives’ capital.
Flying in Qatar’s economy class is great, but why not amp up the luxury by booking your flight to the Maldives in their Qsuite? It’s highly regarded as the best business class in the world, and is a more than comfortable way to fly to the Maldives.
In addition, this airline is part of the Oneworld Alliance. This means you can earn loyalty points using their rewards program and have access to over 600 airport lounges in over 900 destinations.
Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines follows closely on the heels of Qatar Airways and was voted as the 2nd best airline in the world in 2021. The great thing about them is that they operate direct flights to the Maldives from their hub at the Jewel Changi Airport.
Based in Asia and with a strong presence in the region, they operate a number of daily flights to the Maldives, making it easy and fast to get to the islands.
Their flights to the Maldives are operated on a 787-10 Dreamliner. Whichever class you fly, you can rest assured that your flight will be comfortable with world-class service, on-board entertainment and services, and great amenities.
Since they are a member of the Star Alliance, you can also earn mileage points with their own rewards programs or with other airlines.
Emirates Airlines
Emirates Airlines is another airline known for its high level of service and luxurious first class and business class cabins. This Dubai-based airline offers direct flights to the Maldives, as well as flights that stop over in nearby Colombo, Sri Lanka.
They fly from over 160 destinations from over 85 countries, with stopovers in Dubai. They also operate from over 12 airports in the US. This makes flying to the Maldives from the US quick, easy and convenient.
Their flights to the Maldives are operated on their A380 and Boeing 777 fleets, meaning that they offer premium economy, first class, and business class options. Their first class and business class cabins even have private suites, showers, and spas.
Onboard you’ll be able to enjoy the best food, great flight entertainment, and exceptional service from their cabin crew. If you have a long layover, you can book access to one of their luxurious lounges, where you can enjoy gourmet dining, showers, and comfortable recliner seats and beds.
Air France
The French are known for their sophistication and luxury, and flights aboard their 787-9 Dreamliners are no different. Offering flights in economy, premium economy, and business class, flying to the Maldives with Air France couldn’t be any more comfortable.
Their business cabin seats adapt to the shapes of their passengers and also extend to become a six-foot bed with a soft duvet and feather-down pillow, for some great quality sleep.
Their other cabins feature perks like a multi-position footrest, extra legroom, and broader tray tables.
While they only operate seasonal flights to the Maldives from November to March, they are still worth considering. They offer flights three times a week, with return flights to Male during this period.
Plus, they are members of the SkyTeam Alliance, so you can earn mileage points from their partner airlines.
Etihad Airways
Etihad is an Abu Dhabi-based airline. They offer several flights weekly to the Maldives from the Abu Dhabi Airport. They are also highly regarded as one of the most luxurious airlines in the world.
They fly from over 60 destinations worldwide, including four cities from the US. Their long-haul flights from Abu Dhabi to the Maldives are on their A320 and Boeing 787 carriers, which feature both business and first class cabins.
If you’re flying to Abu Dhabi from the US, you’ll have a stopover in the UAE on its A380 carrier. This aircraft is well-known for featuring its Etihad First Class Apartment, which allows you to travel in the ultimate comfort and luxury.
They also have incredible lounges at numerous airports that you can book access to and enjoy showers, gourmet dining and comfy beds to refresh before landing in the Maldives.
Turkish Airlines
In recent years, Turkish Airlines has become one of the top air carriers in the world. They are known for their friendly cabin crew, excellent quality service, high emphasis on comfort, and great quality food.
They fly to over 200 destinations from 125 countries, making it easy to travel. They offer direct flights to the Maldives from the Istanbul Airport, which has become one of the fastest-growing global hubs.
Their flights to the Maldives are on their Airbus A330-200 carriers, which have economy and business class options. You can sit back, relax and enjoy delicious gourmet food, and a wide range of onboard entertainment comfortably.
They’re also a member of the Star Alliance, so you can earn rewards points through them and their partner airlines.
Korean Air
Korean Air is another airline that has a good presence in the Asia region. They fly to over 150 destinations around the globe, including the Maldives, from the Seoul Incheon Airport.
While they do have a stopover in Colombo, Sri Lanka, they are one of the best airlines to fly to the Maldives since they offer year-round weekly flights. Plus, they offer flights in economy, business and first class.
All their cabins provide comfortable seats, great onboard entertainment and fantastic food. Their business and first class cabins offer extensive menus with a number of fine dining options to enjoy.
Your flight to the Maldives with Korean Air is bound to be a good one, so you can just sit back and try to relax while they take care of everything else.
Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific is one of the best airlines to fly to the Maldives. They operate flights four days a week, all year round from their base at the Hong Kong International Airport.
They fly to over 80 destinations in 35 countries, and have a good presence in Asia and South-East Asia. Their Maldives flight is operated on their A330-200 Airbus, which means you’ll have a choice between economy and business class.
One thing that Cathay Pacific is known for is their exceptional menu served in both classes. You can have a range of delicious dishes in economy, while in business-class you’ll have an even wider variety of options.
Cathay Pacific also has some of the most comfortable seats in the world and the best onboard entertainment. You can be assured that no matter which class you fly, Cathay Pacific will take care of your every need and ensure you get to the Maldives feeling rested.
What Other Airlines Fly to the Maldives?
The airlines mentioned above are the best airlines to fly to the Maldives, because they have direct flights to the islands all year round.
Other airlines such as British Airways, Austrian Airlines and Lufthansa also operate direct flights, but these are mainly seasonal. So if these are your preferred airlines, its best to check ahead of time during which periods they will be flying to the Maldives.
Final Thoughts on Flying to the Maldives
It’s never been easier to travel to the Maldives than now. There are a substantial number of airlines operating flights directly to the Maldives or through their partner airlines. Even airlines that are not part of a major alliance network are making it easier to reach this stunning location.
What’s more is you can earn loyalty points on most airlines for flying with them through their great rewards programs. So all that’s left to do is book your tickets. Whether you choose to fly economy, business or first class, you’re bound to arrive in style.
