Maldivian, the national carrier of the Maldives, has significantly strengthened its commitment to the Indian travel market by appointing AVIAREPS India as its official General Sales Agent (GSA) for the vital South India region. This strategic partnership aims to deepen trade relationships and capitalize on a market that serves as a crucial access point for the archipelago.
India maintains its status as a key source market for Maldivian tourism. Data until August 2025 indicates that the Maldives welcomed 85,306 Indian visitors, marking a 4.7% increase compared to the previous year. India now holds the 6th spot among source markets, contributing 5.7% of total arrivals. With industry projections forecasting an additional 20% growth in 2025, Maldivian is positioning itself to capture a larger segment of outbound travellers, particularly from South India, where geographical proximity offers the Maldives as a highly convenient international escape.
Enhancing Connectivity and Reach
The airline’s current flight schedule underscores its focus on the region, featuring four weekly services connecting Kochi (COK) to Malé (MLE) and four weekly services between Trivandrum (TRV) and Malé (MLE). These flights operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, ensuring accessible departure and arrival times for Indian holidaymakers. Beyond international routes, Maldivian offers the largest domestic inter-island network within the Maldives, providing visitors with seamless access to luxury resorts, adventure tourism hubs, and cultural experiences across the islands.
Mr. Ibrahim Iyas, Managing Director of Maldivian, expressed optimism about the collaboration. “We are deeply encouraged by the rising interest from the Indian market. The recent developments in South India have reaffirmed the strategic importance of this region for us,” he stated. “With the expertise of AVIAREPS, we anticipate fostering stronger trade alliances and welcoming an even greater number of Indian visitors to experience the diverse beauty of the Maldives.”
Marcelo Kaiser, COO Aviation at AVIAREPS, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the growth potential. “We are delighted to be partnering with Maldivian as their General Sales Agent in South India, which is recognized as one of the fastest-growing outbound travel markets globally,” said Kaiser. “India is not only a primary source market but also one with substantial room for sustained expansion. Leveraging our profound local knowledge and established trade relationships, AVIAREPS will work to elevate Maldivian’s brand visibility, extend its market penetration, and ensure Indian travellers have seamless booking access to the Maldives.”
The establishment of this GSA relationship, combined with enhanced flight connectivity, is set to significantly boost Maldivian’s brand presence and market accessibility, making the Maldives an even more attainable destination for travellers across India.
