S7 Airlines launches Novosibirsk–Maldives flights, expanding Russian connectivity

Russian carrier S7 Airlines has launched scheduled flights between Novosibirsk and the Maldives, with its inaugural service arriving at Velana International Airport on 30 October 2026.

The new service operates twice weekly, on Mondays and Fridays, using Airbus A320 aircraft, providing travellers from Siberia with an additional connection to the Maldives without requiring a change of aircraft.

The inaugural flight departed Novosibirsk's Tolmachevo International Airport with a full passenger load and completed the approximately 5,600-kilometre journey in around 10 hours and 30 minutes, including a technical stop for refuelling in Termez, Uzbekistan.

The airline initially announced Jaipur, India, as the planned refuelling location, but the inaugural service operated via Termez.

Under the published schedule, flights depart Novosibirsk at 04:10, while return services leave Malé at 14:10, operating on the same two days each week.

Maldives Airports Company Limited welcomed passengers arriving on the inaugural flight with a special reception at Velana International Airport.

The launch strengthens air connectivity between the Maldives and Russia, extending international services beyond Moscow and providing an additional travel option for passengers from Siberia and surrounding regions.

Russia remains the Maldives' second-largest tourism source market after China. According to Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation figures, the country welcomed 253,217 Russian tourists as of 28 October 2026, accounting for approximately 14.5 per cent of tourist arrivals.

Russian visitor numbers have also increased compared with the corresponding period in 2025, highlighting the market's continued importance to the Maldivian tourism industry.

The new route complements existing services operated by Aeroflot between Moscow and Malé, adding capacity ahead of the winter travel season.