This is a landmark moment for Aussie travellers.
This is a landmark moment for Aussie travellers. This content is reviewed by the 7NEWS Editorial team. 7NEWS may receive a commission when you buy from links on our site.
Prices correct at time of publication. Aussies can now fly non-stop to the Maldives for the first time , with the launch of a new weekly service from Melbourne to Malé, operated by Maldivian Airlines in partnership with Australian travel giant, Luxury Escapes.
Travellers can log on to www.luxuryescapes.com at 7.00PM AEST tonight to secure one of 100 exclusive $100 Melbourne-Maldives return flights, to pair with a Luxury Escapes accommodation package, spanning a range of resorts and departure dates between June and September 2026. Luxury Escapes is offering 100 return Economy flights for $100, inclusive of taxes — less than a return Uber or taxi from the city to the airport.
“The Maldives has long been a bucket-list destination for Australian travellers, but the time and complexity of travelling via a transit in Singapore or the Middle East had been a major deterrent” Schwab said. “With great support from Melbourne Airport and in partnership with the national carrier of the Maldives, we’ve been able to unlock a direct route and package it with exceptional value across a range of resorts, from ultra-luxury romantic escapes to family-friendly options.
The inaugural flight will depart Melbourne Airport at 11.20pm this evening, carrying 264 passengers on the 11-hour journey to Velana International Airport in Malé, the Maldives. Melbourne Airport Chief Executive Officer Lorie Argus said the flights would be an attractive option for travellers.
“By eliminating the need to transit through a hub in Asia or the Middle East this service will cut 9-10 hours of travel time out of the journey to the Maldives which is really exciting for Victorian travellers,” she said.you’ll be able to jump on a flight in the evening and wake up in the Maldives the next morning. “Travel to South Asia is booming with capacity out of Melbourne up 53 per cent on pre-pandemic levels, so I’m sure this service will be in demand.
”The Maldivian Airlines A330-200 Onboard, passengers will enjoy a late-night supper service followed by breakfast ahead of a spectacular sunrise arrival into Malé, with seamless onward seaplane or speedboat transfers to island resorts for early check-in. Luxury Escapes hotels“The most amazing holiday! We went for our honeymoon and it really felt like a once in a lifetime. The all inclusive deal did not disappoint — everything was catered for and we felt so well looked after!
” one reviewer wrote of Coco Bodo Hithi.
“This place is absolutely amazing... the staff went above and beyond. The villa was beautiful — absolutely loved our stay! ” added another about JA Manafaru. ^Terms and conditions apply — 100 Economy class flights Melbourne to Malé return at A$100 when purchased with an eligible Luxury Escapes Maldives bundle.
First come, first served. Live 7:00pm 18 May 2026 and closes 11:59pm 25 May 2026 or when sold out. Not combinable with other offers. Flights are non-refundable.
Additional costs and full T&Cs apply: see https://luxuryescapes.com/au/promotions *Terms and conditions apply — $2,399 pricing based on cost per person for 5-night stay at SAii Lagoon hotel. $1,379 pricing based on 1 x economy return airfare MEL to Male. Fares subject to availability. Full T&Cs apply – see https://luxuryescapes.com/au/terms-and-conditionsThe Aussie dog dental bundle that sold 20,000 units and keeps selling out after pet parents saw fresher breath fastThis ‘fantastic’ self-cleaning vacuum does the hard work for youBuy NowBuy Now
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