Saudi Arabia's budget airline Flynas has commenced direct flights to Maldives.

The first Flynas flight from Saudi carrying tourists to landed in Velana International Airport (VIA) on Tuesday. The flight which was carrying 96 passengers was given a special water salute at VIA.

Tourism Minister Dr. Abdulla Mausoom and Saudi Ambassador to Maldives Abdullah Al Ajaleen attended the ceremony held at VIA to mark the commencement of Flynas flights to Maldives to mark this historic event. The ceremony was also attended by Vice President of Sales at Flynas, Abdullah Suleiman Al Eidi and MACL's CEO and Managing Director Mahjub Shujau also attended the ceremony.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Dr. Mausoom stated that this initiative will further develop the tourism industry, and that discussions are currently underway with other airlines to commence scheduled flights to other airports in the Maldives as well.

Suleiman Al Eidi stated that commencing scheduled flights to the Maldives is an accomplishment to Flynas.

Flynas flights will operate from Riyadh's Khalid International Airport and will fly 3 scheduled flights to Maldives every week. The airline will use A320 airbus with a 170 passenger capacity.