Maldives and Ethiopia Sign Air Services Deal to Pave Way for Direct Flights
The Maldives and Ethiopia have signed a bilateral air services agreement that will pave the way for direct flights, strengthening tourism, trade and connectivity between Africa and Asia.
The Maldives and Ethiopia have signed a landmark bilateral air services agreement that will pave the way for direct passenger and cargo flights between the two countries.
The agreement establishes the legal framework for scheduled air services and is expected to strengthen tourism, trade and investment links between Africa and the Indian Ocean island nation.
The deal was signed at the Maldives Ministry of Transport, with Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen representing the Maldives. According to the ministry, Ethiopia becomes the sixth African country to sign an air services agreement with the Maldives.
The other African countries with similar agreements are Egypt, Mauritius, Rwanda, Seychelles and South Africa. The move reflects the Maldives' growing interest in attracting more visitors from Africa.
Under the agreement, Ethiopian Airlines will be able to launch direct flights between Addis Ababa and Malé, subject to operational and regulatory approvals. The airline will also receive fifth freedom traffic rights, allowing it to carry passengers onward to selected third-country destinations.
The agreement is reciprocal, giving the Maldives' national airline, Maldivian, the option to operate future services to Ethiopia if commercial demand supports the route.
For African travellers, the new arrangement could significantly reduce travel time. Many passengers currently reach the Maldives through connecting flights in Dubai, Doha or Abu Dhabi, but a direct Addis Ababa service would offer a more convenient alternative.
The route would also improve access for travellers from major African cities already served by Ethiopian Airlines, including Lagos, Nairobi, Kigali, Accra, Johannesburg, Dar es Salaam, Kampala and Lusaka.
The development supports Ethiopian Airlines' broader expansion strategy. The carrier has continued to grow its international network while investing in the planned Bishoftu International Airport, which is expected to strengthen Ethiopia's position as Africa's leading aviation hub. Ethiopian Airlines' expansion plans
For Africa's travel industry, the agreement creates new opportunities for tour operators and travel agencies. Easier access to the Maldives is expected to boost demand for luxury holidays, honeymoon packages and combined safari-and-beach itineraries.
The Maldives remains one of the world's most popular luxury destinations, attracting visitors with its overwater villas, white-sand beaches and world-renowned diving resorts. Improved air links could make the destination more accessible to Africa's growing middle- and upper-income travellers.
Flight schedules, launch dates and fares have not yet been announced. Ethiopian Airlines is expected to provide further details once commercial planning for the route is complete.
The agreement marks another step in improving air connectivity between Africa and Asia, reinforcing Ethiopia's role as a continental aviation gateway while opening new travel opportunities for African passengers and businesses.