Rossiya Airlines is set to launch flight operations to the Maldives.

From November 14, the Russian airline will fly once a week between Moscow and Male using a Boeing 747-400 jet.

Part of the Aeroflot Group, Rossiya Airlines is one of the largest carriers in Russia. With a fleet of 54 aircraft, the airline regularly flies to 53 destinations around the world.

With Rossiya Airlines starting service to the Maldives, Russian travellers will have even more options to enjoy a tropical getaway in the Indian Ocean tourist paradise this winter holiday season.

Russian flag carrier Aeroflot operates four weekly services, while Nordwind Airlines offers travellers twice a week service to the Maldives. Azur Air also flies three times a week between Vnukovo International Airport and Velana International Airport.

Expanding air connectivity between Moscow and Male will be a major boost to the Maldives’ efforts to revive the country’s tourism-dependent economy after reopening its borders on July 15.

Tourism promotion authorities in Maldives have also launched an advertising campaign on a leading TV channel in Russia.

Russian tourists accounted for over 74,000 or close to five per cent of Maldives’ foreign visitors last year, the sixth biggest market after China, India, Italy, Germany and the United Kingdom.

Before the current coronavirus pandemic, Aeroflot was operating daily flights between Moscow Sheremetyevo and Velana International Airport in Male.

With the border reopening, 30-day free on-arrival visa is issued to all tourists with a confirmed booking for a stay at any registered tourist facility in the country.

There is no mandatory quarantine or testing on arrival, but tourists have to complete an online health declaration form and provide a negative PCR test result taken at least 96 hours prior to their departure.

Visitors with symptoms of the Covid-19 respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus or those travelling with someone who has similar symptoms are also tested at their own expense.