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Emirates, Maldivian establish interline partnership
Emirates and Maldivian on Thursday announced an interline partnership, enabling Emirates customers to access 16 popular holiday destinations in the Maldives beyond Male.
The agreement successfully follows on from last year’s signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two airlines, to explore opportunities for mutual cooperation.
The interline agreement will create more options for Emirates customers when travelling to the Maldivian archipelago, utilising both carriers’ services and networks on a single ticket while also enhancing the customer experience throughout the journey.
Customers travelling to exotic island destinations in the Maldives will now be able to reap the benefit of flying into more popular holiday spots after connecting easily and seamlessly from Velana International Airport in the North Male atoll. Emirates passengers will link to Maldivian’s services to reach a choice of domestic points for their island getaway.
From 15 September, travel itineraries can be booked on emirates.com, the Emirates mobile app, or preferred travel agents, for flights effective immediately.
“We are delighted to establish a partnership with Maldivian, to expand our reach into more points in the Maldives. By partnering with the Maldivian flag carrier, we are able to offer customers smooth connections when flying to a wide choice of islands within the country via Malé. By extending this added-value benefit, our customers from across the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and Americas can plan their journey to the Maldives with the convenience of booking flights on a single ticket to reach their final destination,” Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Chief Commercial Officer, said.
Emirates customers can fly to airports in a selection of the popular atolls via Male including Dharavandhoo Island (DRV), Faresmathoda Airport (FMT), Funadhoo Airport (FND), Fuvahmulak Island Airport (FVM), Gan Island International (GAN), Kooddoo Island (GKK), Hanimaadhoo Island Airport (HAQ), Kulhudhuffushi Airport (HDK), Hoarafushi Airport (HRF), Kaadedhdhoo Island Airport (KDM), Kadhdhoo Island (KDO), Madivaru Airport (LMV), Maafaru International Airport (NMF), Maavarulu Airport (RUL), Thimarafushi Airport (TMF), and Ifuru (IFU).
Furthermore, customers spending their holidays at other resort islands can also enjoy the convenience of travelling to the closest point in the interline network and are within reach of their final destination with only a short ride, by seaplane or boat.
As the partnership between both airlines evolves, more benefits and conveniences will be added to enhance the customer experience when travelling to the Maldives.
“We are excited to embark on this journey with Emirates, a global aviation leader. This partnership would enable us to increase the visibility of our extensive domestic network and it aligns perfectly with our objective of providing seamless connectivity to travellers. Customers will be able to plan and book their entire journey directly through the airline with ease. As the national carrier we always strive to make Maldives more accessible to travellers from around the world and we believe the partnership with Emirates will strengthen our position as the leading airline in Maldives,” Ibrahim Hamdhan Mohamed, General Manager – Commercial at Maldivian, said.
Emirates has supported the development and growth of tourism as well as trade in the Maldives for more than three and a half decades. The award-winning global airline commenced operations to Male in 1987 and now operates 28 flights a week between Dubai and the Maldives. With a choice of four flights per day to Male, customers from across Emirates’ network of almost 140 points have the flexibility to choose flights and enjoy the convenience of minimal connection times.
Through its 29 codeshare, 11 Intermodal and 117 interline partners, Emirates boasts a global footprint that encompasses destinations far beyond its own network, offering increased connectivity and convenient options for travellers.
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Reethi Faru Resort hosts Magda Linette ahead of new tennis season
Reethi Faru Resort recently welcomed Magda Linette, a Top 20 professional tennis player, who selected the island resort as her training retreat while preparing for the Australian Open and the forthcoming tennis season. Away from the competitive spotlight, Linette utilised the resort’s private and tranquil setting, where expansive beaches, clear lagoon waters, and discreet luxury provided an environment conducive to both focused preparation and recovery.
Throughout her stay, Linette combined intensive training sessions with periods of rest, making use of the resort’s calm surroundings and seclusion. The natural setting of the Maldives offered an effective backdrop for physical conditioning and mental focus, supporting her preparations ahead of the season’s first Grand Slam tournament.
Known for its emphasis on privacy, understated luxury, and an authentic island atmosphere, Reethi Faru Resort continues to attract elite athletes seeking a destination that supports peak performance while delivering a refined island experience. The resort extended its best wishes to Linette as she progresses through the upcoming tennis season.
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Ifuru Island Maldives introduces refreshed day escapes for non-staying guests
Ifuru Island Maldives has introduced a refreshed collection of Day Visit and Day Use experiences, inviting guests to enjoy the island’s signature energy, flavour, and freedom without an overnight stay.
Designed for locals, travellers, and island-hoppers seeking an effortless escape, the new range of Ifuru Day Escapes blends beachside relaxation, poolside indulgence, and curated dining moments, all set against the island’s vibrant and social atmosphere.
From relaxed mornings by the sea to golden-hour cocktails and sunset dining, each experience has been crafted to capture the spirit of Ifuru: playful, generous, and unapologetically fun.
Guests can choose from five distinct experiences, each offering a different rhythm of island life.
The Barefoot Beach Escape invites guests to slow down at the Beach Club with unlimited soft drinks, snacks, and sea views, perfect for a laid-back coastal day.
For those drawn to the pool, the Poolside Pleasure Pass combines unlimited pizza, soft drinks, and a hearty buffet lunch at Social House, ideal for sunseekers who like their days delicious.
Turning up the indulgence, Sip, Swim & Surrender offers unlimited cocktails alongside pool access and all-day dining, encouraging guests to fully let go of the clock.
Adventure lovers can opt for the Island Explorer Experience, blending pool time with Beach Club access, non-motorised water sports, snorkelling, and unlimited dining and drinks, delivering a full taste of Ifuru’s playful energy.
For couples or friends, The Ultimate Ifuru Escape offers the complete experience for two, combining all inclusions into one seamless, shared day of island indulgence. Sunset Worth Staying For
To complete the experience, Ifuru Island also introduces Sunset Indulgence at Waterfront, an evening dining journey featuring a five-course à la carte menu with unlimited cocktails and wines, served as the sun melts into the horizon.
“With these new day experiences, we wanted to open the doors wider to Ifuru,” said Marcel Sawyer, General Manager. “Whether you’re joining us for a few hours or staying from morning to sunset, this is about feeling the island’s rhythm, enjoying great food, and leaving with memories that linger.”
All Day Visit packages are available daily from 10:00 to 18:00, with the Waterfront dinner experience available from 18:00 to 22:00.
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Bollywood stars Sonakshi Sinha, Zaheer Iqbal celebrate festive season at SO/ Maldives
This festive season, SO/ Maldives set the stage for a truly cinematic celebration as Bollywood actors Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal arrived in style, making a dazzling red‑carpet entry that set the tone for an unforgettable island experience.
Welcomed amidst flashing lights, island beats, and an electric festive atmosphere, the couple’s red carpet arrival marked the beginning of a glamorous seasonal escape. Framed by turquoise lagoons and pristine white-sand beaches, the moment perfectly blended Bollywood star power with the playful, high-fashion spirit that defines SO/ Maldives’ festive celebrations.
A perennial favourite on the Indian seasonal travel map, the Maldives once again lived up to its reputation as the ultimate festive getaway. During their stay, Sonakshi and Zaheer embraced the full spectrum of island indulgence from immersive Maldivian festive traditions and glamorous gala evenings to exhilarating diving adventures, exploring the vibrant underwater world of the Indian Ocean.
The festive programme at SO/ Maldives unfolded through a series of standout moments, with the duo joining guests for signature island rituals, exclusive celebrations, and high-energy events that flowed effortlessly from day to night. Whether beneath the stars at the festive gala or beneath the waves while diving, every experience reflected a celebration without limits.
“Maldives has always been on my festive travel list, and celebrating the season at SO/ Maldives made it truly exceptional,” shared Sonakshi. “From the Red Carpet welcome to the warmth of the traditions, the diving experiences, and the vibrant events, every moment felt special and memorable.”
Known for its vibrant design, creative energy, and statement celebrations, SO/ Maldives continues to attract global tastemakers and Bollywood icons seeking a destination that seamlessly blends luxury with personality. This festive season, the resort once again redefined island glamour proving that the red carpet doesn’t belong only to cities, but also to paradise.
For more information or to book your perfect festive getaway, please visit so-maldives.com or contact so.maldives.reservations@so-hotels.com.
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