Armenian Carrier Shirak Avia to Launch Scheduled Flights to the Maldives

Armenian airline Shirak Avia will inaugurate scheduled passenger operations to the Maldives next month as part of its winter route expansion.

According to the carrier’s website, the weekly service will launch on 14 November, operating every Saturday. Flights will depart from Zvartnots International Airport in Armenia’s capital, Yerevan, make an intermediate stopover in Muscat, Oman, and then continue onward to Velana International Airport (VIA) in Malé.

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Shirak Avia will deploy a Boeing 737-800 aircraft on the route. The new service marks an extension of the Yerevan-based operator’s international network into South Asia during the peak winter travel season.

To manage the seasonal influx of international flights, the operator of the country’s main gateway, Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), has adjusted operational arrangements. MACL confirmed that 10 airlines will modify their operations over the winter period, with authorities designating sections of VIA’s domestic terminal to handle flights for select international carriers.

The expansion comes as the Maldives approaches its high season for tourism. Data from the Ministry of Tourism shows that the archipelago has welcomed 1.7 million visitors so far this year. While the figure reflects a 3.2 per cent decline compared to the corresponding period last year, inbound arrival volumes remain robust as the sector enters its busiest travel months.