Air India on Friday marked 50 years of flight operations to the Maldives, commemorating the milestone with a special event at Velana International Airport (VIA).
The national carrier of India became the first Indian airline to establish international air services to the Maldives, laying the foundation for decades of aviation connectivity between the two countries.
To celebrate the golden jubilee, the arriving Air India flight was welcomed with a traditional water salute at VIA. The service carried 139 passengers, who were greeted with flowers and cookies upon arrival as part of the anniversary festivities.
The event was organised by Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) to recognise the long-standing partnership between Air India and the Maldives aviation sector.
Officials noted that the airline’s operations have played a significant role in strengthening travel, tourism and people-to-people ties between India and the Maldives over the past five decades.
Air India launched its first international services to Sri Lanka on 21 February 1976, marking an important step in the airline’s regional expansion. Over the years, its sustained presence in the Maldives has contributed to growing bilateral connectivity and tourism flows between the two nations.
The 50-year milestone highlights the enduring aviation link between India and the Maldives, reflecting broader diplomatic and economic ties shared by the two countries.
