Flynas Resumes Riyadh–Malé Flights, Boosting Saudi Arabia–Maldives Tourism Connectivity

Flynas has resumed direct flights between Riyadh and Malé, restoring nonstop connectivity between Saudi Arabia and the Maldives as part of the airline’s Summer 2026 network expansion. The return of the route is expected to support tourism growth, increase visitor arrivals from Saudi Arabia and strengthen air connectivity between the Gulf region and the Maldives.

The Saudi low-cost carrier announced the resumption of flights to the Maldives as part of a broader expansion of its international network.

In an official statement, Flynas said the Maldives would be included in its Summer 2026 destinations network, which features more than 25 international destinations worldwide. The airline noted that the launch of new destinations and the resumption of seasonal services form part of its strategy for growth and network expansion while providing guests with diverse travel options and direct access to some of the world’s most popular tourism destinations.

Flynas Returns to the Maldives

The resumed Maldives service marks Flynas’ return to the destination after previously operating direct flights between Riyadh and Malé in 2023. The airline first launched the route on 20 June 2023, offering Saudi travellers direct access to the Maldives through a three-times-weekly service.

Following a suspension of operations, the airline has now reinstated the route as part of its seasonal summer network. According to Flynas, the Maldives is among a group of destinations receiving three weekly direct flights from Riyadh during the Summer 2026 season.

Riyadh–Malé Schedule

Flynas operates the Riyadh–Malé route three times per week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Flights depart Riyadh at 00:05 and arrive at Velana International Airport in Malé at 08:00 local time. The return flight departs Malé at 09:05 and arrives in Riyadh at 13:00.

The schedule has been designed to provide convenient same-day resort transfers for inbound visitors while also offering efficient onward connections through Riyadh for outbound travellers.

Sales Period and Availability

The Maldives route is currently available for booking as part of the airline’s Summer 2026 schedule. Flynas has confirmed that tickets are available through all of its booking channels as part of the Summer 2026 network rollout. The carrier has not yet announced a Winter 2026/27 schedule for the route.

Aircraft Type and Capacity

The Riyadh–Malé service is operated by the Airbus A320neo, one of the most modern aircraft in the Flynas fleet. The aircraft is configured with 174 economy-class seats and is designed to deliver improved fuel efficiency and passenger comfort on medium-haul routes.

With three weekly frequencies in each direction, Flynas is offering approximately 1,044 two-way seats per week between Saudi Arabia and the Maldives, creating additional capacity from one of the region’s fastest-growing outbound tourism markets.

What Flynas Means for Maldives Tourism

The return of Flynas services represents a positive development for the Maldives tourism industry. Saudi Arabia continues to emerge as a promising source market, supported by increasing outbound travel demand and growing interest in luxury island holidays among Saudi travellers.

Direct air connectivity remains one of the most important drivers of tourism growth, and the reinstatement of nonstop flights from Riyadh provides the Maldives with greater access to visitors from the Kingdom. The additional seat capacity is expected to support resorts, hotels and tourism operators while helping diversify visitor arrivals from the Middle East.

The route also strengthens the Maldives’ position as a preferred long-haul leisure destination for travellers from Saudi Arabia, complementing the country’s broader efforts to expand connectivity across the Gulf region.

Supporting Flynas’ Growth Strategy

Flynas described the resumption of Maldives flights as part of its wider growth and network expansion strategy. The airline said the Summer 2026 programme includes new routes to Rome, Munich and Budapest alongside the resumption of seasonal services to Podgorica and the Maldives. The carrier added that the expansion is intended to offer travellers more destination choices and direct access to leading tourism markets around the world.

As demand for travel between Saudi Arabia and the Maldives continues to grow, industry stakeholders will be closely monitoring the performance of the route and the potential for future expansion beyond the Summer 2026 season.