One hundred return Economy fares to the Maldives are on sale for $100 tonight, marking the launch of Australia’s first ever non-stop Melbourne-Malé service.
The fares, inclusive of taxes, go live at 7pm AEST at luxuryescapes.com and must be paired with a Luxury Escapes accommodation package. Departure dates run June through September 2026.
The promotion coincides with the inaugural departure itself, which takes off from Melbourne Airport at 11.20pm. Operated by Maldivian Airlines in partnership with Luxury Escapes, the A330-200 carries 264 passengers on an 11-hour journey to Velana International Airport in Malé – cutting nine to ten hours from itineraries previously routed through Singapore or the Middle East.
Combined flight and resort packages start from $2,399 per person for five nights, with standalone return Economy fares from $1,379. The aircraft operates Business and Economy cabins, with an Economy Plus extra-legroom option available through Luxury Escapes.
Luxury Escapes CEO and co-founder Adam Schwab said the route removes a long-standing barrier for Australian travellers.
“The Maldives has long been a bucket-list destination, but the time and complexity of transiting through Singapore or the Middle East had been a major deterrent,” he said.
Melbourne Airport chief executive Lorie Argus noted the route arrives as capacity to South Asia from Melbourne sits 53 per cent above pre-pandemic levels.
“For the first time ever in Australia you’ll be able to jump on a flight in the evening and wake up in the Maldives the next morning,” she said.
On board, passengers will be served a late-night supper and breakfast ahead of a sunrise arrival into Malé, with seaplane or speedboat transfers to island resorts for early check-in.
