Non-stop flights to the Maldives will circumvent layovers in the Middle East and Asia
Australian travellers, rejoice. You’ve been visiting the Maldives for decades, but finally, an airline is launching direct flights from Australia to Velana International Airport. That means no more stumbling around a layover city in a state of jetlagged confusion while you wait for your connecting flight. The speedy new non-stop route will take just over 11 hours. And on the return leg to Australia, it’ll take just over 10 hours. Here’s all you need to know and how to book.
The Maldivian Luxury Escapes Express is the first – and only – direct connection between Australia and the Maldives, and will depart from Melbourne Airport in Victoria. Airport authorities say this will not only benefit Melburnians but also travellers living right along Australia’s east coast and in Tasmania. With a single terminal precinct at Melbourne Airport, they’ll have quick and easy transfers between domestic and international flights.
Previously, getting to the Maldives from Australia always involved one or more transfers in Asian cities or Middle Eastern hubs. This meant the average journey duration was more than 20 hours. But now it’ll take roughly half the time. And with the current instability in the Middle East (which has disrupted international travel so much that Maldives tourist arrivals are down by 50%), many travellers will be pleased to hear of a new option that completely avoids layovers.
Maldivian, the Maldives’ national flag carrier, teamed up with international travel agency Luxury Escapes to offer the new charter flights. The Maldivian Luxury Escapes Express flights will only be available to customers booking a Maldives holiday package through Luxury Escapes or Travel Hub.
The direct Australia to the Maldives flights are set to begin operating between Melbourne Airport and Velana International Airport on 18th May 2026 (subject to government and regulatory approval). Initially operating for a provisional six-month period, they’ll depart from Melbourne on Monday nights and arrive in the Maldives early on Tuesday mornings.
The arrival time is perfect, since seaplanes can only operate during daylight hours (about 6am to 6pm year-round), and most speedboat crews prefer daytime transfers for safety reasons (it’s easier to spot reefs and other obstacles). Additionally, Luxury Escapes customers will receive a free early check-in at their chosen resort.
However, the Maldivian Luxury Escapes Express cannot be booked on Maldivian’s airline website. Instead, you must book on the Luxury Escapes website here, or through a registered travel agent via Travel Hub. Alternatively, you can book in person at the Luxury Escapes offices either in Melbourne Chadstone or Sydney Bondi, or by phoning Luxury Escapes travel agents on 1300 889 900.
The aircraft operating the route will be Maldivian’s Airbus A330-200. It was introduced to the fleet in January 2026 and was previously a KLM aircraft. The Airbus has 246 seats in Economy in a 2-4-2 configuration and 18 lie-flat seats in a 2-2-2 configuration in Business Class. Those seated in Economy will have an option to book out an entire row of four Economy seats for what Luxury Escapes is dubbing ‘Cuddle Class’.
Maldivian’s Managing Director, Ibrahim Iyas, told TravMedia: “Australian travellers are among our strongest source markets, consistently ranking within the Maldives’ top ten long-haul markets and known for longer stays that contribute to the wider tourism economy.
“This service represents an important milestone, supporting continued growth across the sector while reinforcing Maldivian’s role as the national airline and often the first point of contact for visitors, delivering the warmth and hospitality the Maldives is widely known for.”
Launch packages start from AUD$2,599 per person including return flights and five nights in a selection of five-star resorts. Resorts transfers and selected inclusions such as snorkelling gear and resort credit are included too (varies by resort). Packages with an upgrade to Business-class are also available.
Depending upon demand, the six-month seasonal period may be extended to a regular seasonal or even permanent service.
You may also be interested in: What to expect at Velana International Airport’s new Terminal 1
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