Cathay Pacific has announced plans to launch a direct service to link Hong Kong with the Maldives starting October 27, subject to government approval.
The island nation consisting of 26 atolls in the Indian Ocean has in recent decades become one of the most sought-after destinations among luxury leisure travellers, including a rapidly increasing number of them from China.
The airline will deploy a three-class A330-300 offering 39 business, 28 premium economy and 175 economy seats (totalling 242) for this route, with the outbound flight departing Hong Kong at 1715 every Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday to arrive in Male at 2125. The return flight leaves the Maldives at 2335 on the same days to arrive back in Hong Kong at 0855 the following day. These flight times, however, mean that if the passenger's booked resort requires a seaplane ride to reach – as many hotel properties in the Maldives do – there will be a need to find a place to stay in Male overnight as air taxis only operate in daylight. On the way back, the passenger will also need to be back in Male half a day before return flight's time, but there is enough in the Maldivian capital to explore for a few hours.
For a story about holidaying in the country, click here.
The new service is also likely to attract affluent travellers from the Pearl River Delta region, as the only other airport in the vicinity offering direct link to the Maldives is Guangzhou Baiyun, from which China Southern operates two flights to Male a week.
Other airlines flying to Male from Hong Kong are Mega Maldives Airlines and Hong Kong Airlines.
For more information, visit www.cathaypacific.com
Reggie Ho
