Connect with us

Airport

No More Waiting In Maldives Airport. Quick Exit In 10 Minutes.

Escaping to a luxury Maldives resort is now easier. A premium service lets you skip the immigration queue at Velana International Airport. Upon landing at the airport, airport staff receive VIP guests at the flight stairs and escort them to a lounge, while regular passengers proceed to the arrival hall, where they queue up for passport processing.

Several Maldives resorts offer villas that cost more than $3000 per night during the Winter period, few resorts sell exceptionally exclusive villas above $10000 per night. Waiting in airport queues becomes a hassle for the highest number of tourists. But, not anymore.

Advertisement
No More Waiting In Maldives Airport. Quick Exit In 10 Minutes.

Streamline Your Arrival: Skip the Airport Queues in the Maldives

There is a unique service offered by a local agent to skip the queue and exit the terminal in 10 minutes. If you have checked-in baggage it takes more time but you will be in the comfort of the lounge, enjoying snacks and drinks instead of being lined up in the queue.

When your baggage makes it to the belt there are staff who collect and bring it to you in the lounge for your convenience. However, the service more ideal for private jet flyers as it allows them to skip the regular formalities of passing through the immigration and customs.

Fast track service is available for both arrivals and departures. However, it is more popular for the arrivals as more guests are willing to pay extra to quickly get away into the paradise. Especially after an 8-hour flight from Europe, it could make you completely exhausted when you land, so you would not want to spend more time in queues.

Advertisement

Velana International Airport in Male Island is a busy place. Don’t forget that Maldives welcomes nearly 2 million tourists every year, despite the country being so small. In peak season you can only expect the airport to be jampacked with tourists, locals are few and there are dedicated lanes for locals in immigration so they pass through quickly.

No More Waiting In Maldives Airport. Quick Exit In 10 Minutes.

A VIP Solution for Travelers: Skip the Queues and Enjoy the Lounge

VIP service offered by Maldives Finest makes the departure more convenient as tourists check in directly to the lounge instead of going to the departure terminal. The staff collects baggage and checks in at the respective airline inside the terminal while passengers enjoy snacks and drinks in the lounge.

Once check-in they present the boarding card with the luggage tags. When the time comes for boarding the aircraft the lounge Host or Hostess escorts you, usually, there is a separate vehicle for CIP / VIP passengers who are in conform of the lounge.

Advertisement

The scene for regular tourists is a lot different. They have to line up in the queue even to gain entrance to the terminal itself and there are queues at the airline counter, immigration, and security.

Despite all the benefits the VIP Airport Service comes at a premium price of $280 per person. There are limited slots and seats in the lounge are reserved for guests who have confirmed reservations, so you don’t need to worry about the lounge getting crowded.

Advertisement
No More Waiting In Maldives Airport. Quick Exit In 10 Minutes.

Fast-Track Service: Your Ticket to a Hassle-Free Maldives Experience

Before arriving in the Maldives you should have your transfer to the resort prearranged. Resorts close to Male’ often offer speedboat transfers, as for others it is either domestic flight or seaplane. Some resorts offer mixed options and you can book through the agent as part of your holiday package.

Seaplane only flies in the daytime. If you are arriving later than 1500 hours, you should check with the resort or travel agent if you can fly to the resort the same day. Some guests obtain the VIP option in the airport just to make it to the seaplane quickly.

Most of the local agents avoid risks while planning holidays, so if your international flight is arriving late they book the first night at a hotel in Hulhumale, a 10-minute drive from the airport, then you can fly to the resort the following day. Some guests have to book an extra night for departure due to the seaplane operating hours.

Advertisement

If you do not consider this factor you may lose money when you have to depart earlier than booked. Under international hotel policy, there is no refund for early departures. Booking through an agent means all such matters are taken care of during the holiday planning.

Some Of The Top Resorts

Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi is located in Male’ Atoll, it takes only 40 minutes to get there by luxury yacht. This island is considered one of the most luxurious hotels in the country. Accommodation options vary from beach villas to water villas.

Advertisement

There is also an option to book an entire island for a couple, this tiny island is located near the main resort, so that guests can conveniently visit the main island for various facilities and services.

Another luxury resort near the airport is known as Ritz Carlton Maldives. The spherical design of villas with eco-friendly concepts makes it highly attractive among ultra-luxury holidaymakers. They also offer luxury yachts for the transfer, The distance is almost the same as Waldorf Astoria but the locations are different even though both are in the same atoll.

Advertisement

If you are arriving by private jet you may want to consider flying direct to Maafaru International Airport to avoid the hustle and bustle of the main airport. Noonu Atoll is well known for luxury resorts, there are 3 top-luxury islands that take only a few minutes to transfer.

The most popular are Soneva Jani, Cheval Blanc Randheli, and Velaa Private Island. Local agents can obtain landing permits for the private jet and fuel is available, along with other essentials.

Advertisement

Soneva Jani is unique resort. Many of their villas come with a water slide, which brings an incredible element of fun to luxury holidays. Plunge into the clear waters of Maldives can’t be more enjoyable. The resort also offers some unique attractions including star gazing.

By the way, some of their villas come with retractable roofs, you can slide the roof compartment to watch stars at night or catch some natural light in the daytime, it is a cool feature to experience.

Advertisement

Airlines

Air India B787 Dreamliner Cabin Experiences Water Leak During midflight

Air India B787 Dreamliner Cabin Experiences Water Leak During midflight

On November 29, an Air India flight en route from Delhi to London Gatwick Airport faced a mid-flight cabin leak originating from an overhead storage unit. The incident involved a water leak within the cabin of an Air India 787 Dreamliner while flying over India.

Despite the unexpected situation, the cabin crew maintained a reassuring demeanor, encouraging passengers to remain calm. There was also a leak of water from the plane’s roof, so the pilot urged the passengers not to panic.

Advertisement

The odd thing is that, based on videos posted online, passengers did not appear to be significantly impacted when the leak was reported by a crew member. The leak may have been caused by a cooling system malfunction, though this is suspected.

A passenger shared the video on X, showing water continuously dripping onto passengers’ seats from overhead bins. A user commented, “It’s possible that some travellers left their fully filled water bottles in their cabin luggage, which could be the cause of this. They advise us to carry water bottles because of this. The company may not be the only one at fault. “Can passengers request a refund in situations like this?” asked another.

Advertisement

Source

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Airlines

flynas partners with Eve Air to bring eVTOL operations to Riyadh and Jeddah

flynas partners with Eve Air to bring eVTOL operations to Riyadh and Jeddah

Eve Air Mobility has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to investigate the possibility of operating electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in Saudi Arabia.

Flynas is the top low-cost airline in the Middle East and the world. In 2026, the partners plan to investigate the feasibility of launching eVTOL operations in Riyadh and Jeddah.

Advertisement

“This collaboration is a significant step towards realizing our common goal of sustainable air travel, as well as a demonstration of our dedication to establishing an eco-friendly, accessible, and efficient transportation system,” stated Johann Bordais, CEO of Eve.

“We are excited to start this revolutionary journey with flynas and work together to improve Saudi Arabia’s air mobility in the future.” The agreement will help Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector by establishing and bolstering the region’s potential electric flight ecosystem. Additionally, the partnership will support the ambitious targets in the aviation sector as well as the sustainability goals of Vision 2030.

Advertisement

More than 1,500 flights per week are offered by flynas to more than 70 domestic and international locations. The launch of eVTOL flights to Saudi Arabia as well as the joint venture between Eve and flynas will give passengers another choice for urban transportation while reaffirming the companies’ dedication to influencing the direction of electric aviation and offering effective, secure, and environmentally friendly transportation to the area.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Airlines

Embraer gets new order from Porter Airlines for 25 jets

Embraer gets new order from Porter Airlines for 25 jets

Porter Airlines has added to its 50 existing firm orders with the exercise of purchase rights to place a firm order for 25 Embraer E195-E2 passenger jets.

With the new aircraft, Porter will be able to reach more locations across Porter and continue its highly regarded service. With 25 purchase rights left, Porter’s orders with Embraer now stand at 75 firm, valued at US$2.1 billion at list price. This deal will be added to the Q4 backlog.

Advertisement

The E195-E2’s North American launch customer, Porter, has already accepted delivery of 24 of the aircraft and has just revealed plans to fly to new locations in Mexico and the Caribbean in addition to Las Vegas, Miami, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. At the moment, the planes are being used out of Eastern Canada, primarily targeting Ottawa and Toronto Pearson International Airport.

The E195-E2 is also bringing new services to Halifax and Montreal. Porter has decided to set up the 146-seat aircraft in a cosy all-economy configuration with 132 seats, offering 36, 34, and 30-inch seat pitches to their guests.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Airlines

Etihad to fly A380 superjumbo on Abu Dhabi-New York route

Etihad to fly A380 superjumbo on Abu Dhabi-New York route

Etihad Airways is happy to announce that on April 22, 2024, it will begin operating double-decker flights on the A380 to New York JFK.

Etihad’s ability to connect to the larger GCC and Indian subcontinent, as well as the US market, has been greatly enhanced with the launch of the A380. It will also bring in more tourists who want to take in the sights of the energetic city of Abu Dhabi.

Advertisement

On one of the two daily flights from Etihad to New York, the A380 will be in service. A 787-9 aircraft with First, Business, and Economy classes will fly the other daily route. Now that Etihad has brought its superjumbo back to the skies, the US route is the second destination—after London—to experience the amazing A380.

The cabin includes 337 Economy Smart seats with large pillows for maximum comfort and Etihad’s signature fixed-wing headrests, as well as 68 extra legroom seats with an extra 4 inches of space.

Advertisement

The Business Studios, which offer 70 private spaces on the upper deck, offer a private sanctuary that relieves stress during travel. The Lobby, a serviced lounge and bar area situated between the First and Business cabins, is also located on the upper deck.

Currently, etihad.com makes the dream of seeing The Residence just a click away. * Guests can upgrade from a First-class ticket for an absolutely unforgettable journey, with special offer prices starting at 10,999 AED ($2,990).

Advertisement
  • Special deal: Upgrades are available for purchase between November 29 and December 12, 2023, for 10,999 AED for a single person or 14,999 AED for two, one-way. Travelable starting on April 22, 2024 (except June 14–24, 2024).

The standard one-way residence upgrade fare from Abu Dhabi to New York is 16,600 AED per person.

Continue Reading

Airlines

U.S. airlines lose 2 million suitcases a year. Where do they end up?

U.S. airlines lose 2 million suitcases a year. Where do they end up?

The holidays are expected to be extremely busy, according to the Transportation Security Administration. A fortunate few will be among the millions of people returning home without their bags as they head back from their Thanksgiving vacations.

Where do all those misplaced bags wind up, next? Journalist Melanie Peeples set out to investigate. All suitcases that are misplaced by US airlines and are not picked up by their owners ultimately arrive at Unclaimed Baggage.

Advertisement

In Scottsboro, Alabama, it occupies an entire city block and is a massive store. Every day, 7,000 new things are added to the inventory. And all of it is offered at a steep discount.

It is set up like a department store, with bookshelves filled with books and clothing and shoes around because, let’s face it, who hasn’t misplaced a book on a plane? But the jackpot is just up these stairs.

Advertisement

The mezzanine is the most crowded part of the store. Thus, this is where our electronics division is located. However, things up here are even more fascinating. It functions as follows: Up to three months are spent by the airline attempting to return a misplaced suitcase or pole-vaulting shipping container to its owner. However, the airline gives up after three months and compensates the owner back up to $3,800.

Statistically speaking, 99.5% of checked luggage on airlines does not disappear. All of it just adds up to a lot—the 0.5% that does.

Advertisement

Source

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Airlines

Comac unveils new smaller and larger variants of the C919

Comac unveils new smaller and larger variants of the C919

China’s leading aircraft manufacturer, Comac, has announced that two new C919 narrowbody aircraft variants are being developed to meet a variety of operational needs both inside and outside of China.

The C919 Stretched Variant and the C919 Shortened/Plateau Variant are the names of these variants that were on display at the Shanghai International Commercial Aviation & Aerospace Industry Exhibition. Comac seeks to emulate Airbus’ A320 series and Boeing’s 737 MAX models by providing a range of sizes for its standard narrowbody model.

Advertisement

With 210 seats in a two-class arrangement, the C919 Stretched Variant, according to Comac, “conforms to the trend of large-scale development of single-aisle aircraft market.”

The Shortened/Plateau configuration can accommodate 140 passengers and has takeoff and landing performance suitable for all high-altitude airports in China. It has “good potential,” according to Comac, for more derivatives.

Advertisement

With over 10 million passengers flown, Comac’s regional jet, the ARJ21, has achieved a noteworthy milestone. A China Southern Airlines ARJ21 aircraft on the Guangzhou-Jieyang route served as a symbol of this accomplishment. As a result of its increasing presence in regional aviation, the ARJ21 is currently estimated to operate 1,800 weekly flights throughout China and Indonesia.

Source

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Advertisement

Advertisement

Trending