Transport Minister Mohammed Ameen announced on Monday evening that the national airline, Maldivian, will commence operations with its new wide-body aircraft around October this year. This development aligns with President Mohammed Muizzu's pledge to introduce wide-body aircraft within the first 100 days of the current administration.

The Cabinet has supported this initiative by facilitating the acquisition of two wide-body aircraft to enhance flights to destinations that could attract more tourists to the Maldives.

During the government's 'Ahaa' forum, Ameen highlighted the progress in launching these wide-body operations. However, he noted that there will be a delay in changing the aircraft registration to Maldives.

The national airline is expected to start services to Chinese and some European cities by late October or November. In January, Island Aviation announced it would lease a Boeing 787 for long-haul flights and is also set to dry lease an Airbus A330 for international routes.