Azerbaijan Airlines (also known as AZAL) has announced that it will add a new destination to its route network, this time to the turquoise-beaches of the Maldives island chain.
From November 8, 2024, AZAL plans to fly twice weekly non-stop between Baku (GYD) and Malé (MLE) with their Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner as follows:
- J2301 – Baku to Malé – Fridays and Sundays
- J2302 – Malé to Baku – Saturdays and Mondays
In a statement, the airline said that “this direct flight greatly reduces travel time, eliminating the inconvenience of layovers. It’s the perfect option for those who value their time and comfort.”
“Don’t miss the opportunity to be among the first passengers on AZAL’s new route. Immerse yourself in the beauty of sunny beaches and discover new horizons with Azerbaijan Airlines!”
The new route opens up non-stop flights for those flying from Baku, and adds even more options for those looking for a connecting flight from other AZAL destinations. Unfortunately it doesn’t seem to be the most competitive option when it comes to connections, with prices being a bit higher when compared to the competition.
Malé has an extensive flight network, with operators ranging from the Middle East, Europe and Asia. However AZAL does have a good advantage as it flies to eight Russian destinations, making it a lot easier for Russian passengers to connect to the Maldives versus via the one flight on Aeroflot which comes out of Moscow. Other competing carriers like Emirates and Qatar also have limited Russian service, focusing on Saint Petersburg and Moscow.
