Maldivian has commenced direct flights from the Maldives to Australia.

In a post yesterday, Maldivian stated that the airline's largest aircraft, an A330, departed from Malé to Melbourne last night for the first-ever direct flight between the Maldives and Australia.

"This is the beginning of new opportunities, the opening of new doors. This is a source of pride and honor for the Maldives," Maldivian said.

The aircraft departed from Malé last night at around 10:30 PM. This is a flight of approximately 11 hours.

This marks the first time a direct air flight has been operated from the Maldives to Australia. Previously, travel between the Maldives and Australia involved transit flights.

Maldivian has decided to operate one scheduled flight to Melbourne every week in partnership with the Australian travel company Luxury Escapes.