S7 Airlines Touches Down in the Maldives with Inaugural Flight from Novosibirsk

Velana International Airport (VIA) celebrated a major milestone in connectivity this weekend as it officially welcomed the inaugural flight operated by Russia’s S7 Airlines, linking the Siberian hub of Novosibirsk directly with Malé.

According to VIA, the Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) marked the occasion with warm island hospitality, greeting the carrier’s very first passengers and crew with a festive reception. The airport celebrated the launch on its official channels, highlighting the arrival under the banners of “New wings. New horizons!” and “A celebration to remember!”

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The seasonal service establishes an important air bridge between Western Siberia and the Maldives, notes VIA, expanding access for travelers outside Russia’s traditional Moscow aviation hub.

Aviators Maldives reports that the carrier will operate the twice-weekly service on Mondays and Fridays using Airbus A320 family aircraft. Flights will depart Novosibirsk’s Tolmachevo International Airport (OVB) at 04:25, reaching Velana International Airport (MLE) at 13:00 local time. The return flight will depart Malé at 14:10 and land in Novosibirsk at 02:30 the following day. Given the long-haul distance exceeding 5,700 kilometers, the route incorporates a brief technical stop for refueling in Jaipur, India.

The launch of the Novosibirsk–Malé route aligns with a broader surge in international operations across the Maldivian aviation and tourism sectors. The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation highlighted earlier this autumn that seven international airlines had planned seasonal winter services to the archipelago in the fourth quarter, reflecting sustained global demand for the premier holiday destination.

With Russia consistently ranking among the top source markets for tourist arrivals in the Maldives, the new route offers travelers from Siberia a more convenient, direct gateway to the sunny shores of Maldives.