Russia’s largest private airline, S7 Airlines, is set to strengthen air connectivity between Russia and the Maldives with the launch of direct scheduled flights from Novosibirsk to Velana International Airport from 30 October 2026.
The new service will operate twice weekly, every Monday and Friday, using Airbus A320 aircraft. The route will establish a direct connection between the Maldives and Novosibirsk, one of Russia’s largest cities and a major aviation hub serving Siberia and surrounding regions. It will also mark the first time a Russian airline operates regular scheduled services to the Maldives from a Russian city outside Moscow.
Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has confirmed the flight schedule, highlighting the route as part of continued efforts to broaden the Maldives’ international air connectivity and diversify feeder markets. The Novosibirsk service is expected to make the destination more accessible to travellers from central and eastern parts of Russia who previously depended heavily on connections through Moscow and other international gateways.
Supporting the introduction of the new flights, Russian travel operator TEZ TOUR has also introduced special Maldives holiday packages, including early-booking accommodation discounts of up to 50 percent. The packages are expected to further stimulate demand for Maldives holidays during the upcoming high travel season.
The expansion is also expected to benefit the Maldives’ resort sector, which remains central to the country’s international tourism offering. Improved direct access from a major Russian regional hub will provide travellers with greater choice when planning stays across the country’s extensive portfolio of island resorts, ranging from family-oriented properties and premium beachfront retreats to private-island destinations. Easier connectivity could also support longer stays and wider distribution of Russian visitors across resorts in different atolls.
The announcement follows a recent visit to Russia by Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen, during which he stated that seven additional airlines are expected to commence operations to the Maldives during the fourth quarter of 2026. The planned expansion reflects the government’s continued focus on strengthening aviation partnerships, opening new source markets and improving direct access to the destination.
Russia remains one of the Maldives’ most important tourism markets. A total of 222,796 Russian tourists have visited the Maldives so far this year, accounting for 14.7 percent of total arrivals and positioning Russia as the country’s second-largest source market.
The addition of direct Novosibirsk services is expected to further strengthen the Maldives’ position among Russian travellers while supporting the government’s wider strategy to expand international connectivity and sustain tourism growth. With increased airline capacity, attractive accommodation packages and an expanding range of resort experiences, the Maldives continues to strengthen its appeal as a leading Indian Ocean destination for travellers from across Russia.
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