Maldives

EVERYONE dreams of heading to the beautiful Maldives with its bright blue waters and incredible resorts.

But did you know, there’s a very similar destination which has all the qualities and luxury of the tropical escape? And it even has an extra perk – it’s much quicker for Brits to get to.

Saudi Arabia is in the process of developing its new luxury destination called The Red Sea Project, which also includes a significant residential component.

It has everything you need from a holiday escape from beautiful islands to coral reefs, beaches, desert and even mountains.

Talking about the destination, Stephen Cheesebrough, Head of Development at Red Sea Global told EuroNews: “It’s true that the islands may remind you of the Maldives, with crystal-clear water and white-sand beaches. But that’s where the similarities end.

“Our landscapes are far more diverse. In addition to the islands, we have mountains, volcanoes, deserts and kilometres of virtually untouched coastline.

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“A visitor can spend the morning scuba diving among coral reefs and that same afternoon head into the desert or dine in the mountains. Very few destinations in the world offer such a variety of experiences in such a compact area.”

For Brits who dream of a holiday to somewhere like the Maldives, but don’t like the idea of a long flight – the Red Sea is much quicker to get to.

From the UK to the Maldives takes a minimum of 10 hours, and when you factor in seaplane or boat transfers to the hotel, can often exceed 12 hours in total.

But to get to The Red Sea Project from the UK takes around eight hours.

A direct flight from the UK to Riyadh will take six hours 30-minutes, followed ay a short domestic flight from Riyadh to RSI Red Sea Airport.

There could eventually be direct flights to RSI Red Sea Airport however, after it launched its first flights from Italy back in November 2025.

The Red Sea is under construction but lots of hotels are open for business with the first opening in 2023.

Currently, The Red Sea Project has 11 resorts with more set to open in the coming months.

At its centre is Shura Island which once completed will have hotels, shops, a marina and an 18-hole golf course.

In total there will be 50 hotels on the Red Sea resort including the Four Seasons, Six Senses, Rosewood Resort and Equinox.

The St Regis Resort even has overwater villas – some with private pools and butler service.

A seven-night stay in a One Bedroom Dune Villa in September is £1,512.

By 2030, the Red Sea aims to welcome around one million visitors each year.

For those keen on exploring the ocean, the Red Sea is home to one of the ‘world’s largest barrier reef systems’ – so it will be a sought-after diving destination.

Stephen Cheesebrough added that the destination is set to be open year-round for guests who want “luxury” as well as “exceptional experiences.”

To get there, guests can fly into Red Sea International Airport (RSI) which is in the Tabuk Province of Saudi Arabia.

It’s purpose- built for those visiting The Red Sea Project.

It connects to cities like Riyadh, Jeddah and Dubai, but is yet to expand to Europe – however, that is in the works.

Stephen Cheesebrough said “there would be no point in creating a destination of this scale without ensuring that travellers can reach it easily.”

If the UK is added to the roster of direct flights, Brits could reach the Red Sea on a direct flight in up to seven hours.

A DREAMY holiday to the Maldives seems out of reach for most of us – but a break to the tropical destination is cheaper than ever.

Factors like the Middle East conflict has resulted in huge price drops.

The average holiday to the Maldives tends to sit between £2,200 and £4,000 per person for a seven-night break.

But we’ve found deals for as little as £1,437per person.

There are lots of reasons as to why breaks to the Maldives have dropped in price – one being that there’s been an increase in flights.

With flights to other destinations being interrupted because of the Iran War, flights from Middle Eastern carriers to the Maldives has increased resulting in cheaper deals.

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Deepak Booneady, CEO of Sun Siyam Group added: “We are seeing more late bookings in 2026 and people are still booking for this summer, particularly since the recent increase in flights from the Middle Eastern carriers.

“As we all know, the world’s weather patterns have changed and our British guests realise that the Maldives is both accessible and offers excellent value for money at our resorts.”

Sun Siyam Olhuveli

The four-star Sun Siyam Olhuveli has it all whether you’re looking for a beach escape, or exotic family holiday.

With dates still available in August – it’s great for families as it has a kids club program and exciting beach games to keep everyone entertained.

There’s a spa with a glass bottom so you can get a massage and watch watch exotic fish swim below – or check out the three infinity pools.

A family of four can get six-nights full board for £2,024pp from August 26-Septmber 1 staying in a Grand Beach Suite with Pool with indirect flights from London Heathrow.

Equator Village Maldives

An all-inclusive break at the Equator Village Maldives will set you back just £1757.68pp.

It has a swimming pool with a poolside bar, and you get ocean views from your sunlounger – there’s also a restaurant, spa, gym, and tennis courts.

The resort even has its own dive centre and is near the largest shipwreck in the Maldives – the British Loyalty.

This deal is for an all-inclusive break from September 30 – October 8 in a Double Room with Garden View and Terrace and direct return flights from Manchester Airport.

Summer Island Maldives

The Summer Island resort has beautiful rooms, direct beach access and it’s home to the world’s largest 3D-printed coral reef.

While it had man-made origins, it is now home eels, rays and colourful fish.

With TUI you can book an all-inclusive break from £2,084.92pp.

This is for a seven-night break from November 10-18 in a Double Room with Terrace and direct flights from Manchester Airport.

Bandos Maldives

The Bandos Maldives is on a private island in the North Malé Atoll and you can stay there from £1,437.50pp.

The resort is known for its ocean reef which guests are welcome to explore whether they want to snorkel or paddle above it.

It also has a swimming pool, kids’ club, garden spa and gym.

This deal is for November 26 – December 3 in a Standard Beachfront with a full breakfast included and direct return flights from London Heathrow.

Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort and Spa

A stay at the beautiful Sheraton Maldives which is surrounded by a surrounded by a blue lagoon and palms trees starts from £1,827.50pp.

It offers diving, snorkelling, and jet skiing and has seven restaurants and bars with views of the North Malé Atoll.

Rooms here range from Deluxe all the way to swanky overwater bungalows.

This deal is for November 26 – December 3 in a Deluxe Guest Room with a full breakfast included and direct return flights from London Heathrow.

*Prices correct at the time of publication.

ALL over the planet are incredible islands – but these ones have been declared the best in the world.

Travel + Leisure has found the very top destinations from Asia to Africa and Australia – not to mention one spot went to the UK.

The best islands were declared from reader votes of which there were hundreds of thousands.

In top spot was the Thai island of Koh Samui which got a top score of 95.64 out of 100.

The publication said: “This first-time winner in the Gulf of Thailand—with an array of elevated accommodations, luscious jungles, and roaring waterfalls—has become a leading destination for self-care.”

It was also praised for its beaches, vibrant culture and waterfalls.

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The island is south of Bangkok, known for its pretty beaches, not to mention bargain cocktails and tasty street food.

Travel Reporter Alice Penwill who went last year said: “The island has luxury resorts and picture-perfect beaches

“But the real Thailand is in the busy beach bars flogging happy-hour deals, tiny restaurants with garish tablecloths, and the constant thump of Thai boxing promotions from crackling loudspeakers.“

In second place was the beautiful Maldives followed by the Galapagos Islands and Bali.

But in 13th place is the first and only UK island to make the list – Skye and the Hebrides.

The wild Scottish archipelago is known for mountainous landscapes, rugged coastlines and rare white-sand beaches.

Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding, who visited Eilean Shona – part of the Inner Hebrides – described it as a “real-life Neverland”.

She said: “Whilst there isn’t much to do on the island, it is the perfect retreat away from the modern world and the stresses of day to day life.

“The island has an endless amount of walks you can take, and a couple of mine included heading to the summit and to the opposite side of the island where I found Shoe Bay, with a white sand beach and crystal clear waters.

“And whilst exploring the island, make sure to keep an eye out for wildlife as birds of prey often circle overhead.

“In less than 24 hours I had completely fallen in love with the island.”

Other top islands close to the UK include Malta which is dubbed one of the ‘jewels of the Mediterranean’.

Its capital, Valletta, is one of the sunniest cities in all of Europe – it gets on average 3,000 hours of sunshine each year.

The Italian islands of Sardinia and Sicily which are a short flight away for Brits also got high marks.

In Greece, Milos and Crete placed in the top 25 – as did Paros, which was last year’s winner, some of which are set to be the next big Greek island holiday destinations.

One writer visited Paros last year and loved the island for its “beautiful beaches, traditional villages and a buzzing nightlife.”

She added: “One thing I loved about the island is that it has everything you want out of a holiday.

“Whether that’s a quiet spot on a sandy beach to relax, head off on a wild boat party, or eat authentic Greek food on a candlelit table.”

Here’s the full list of the ‘best islands in the world’…

Here are Travel + Leisure’s best islands in the world – and their scores out of 100…

1. Koh Samui – 95.64
2. Maldives – 95.38
3. Galapagos Islands – 94.99
4. Bali – 93.20
5. Phuket – 93.18
6. Seychelles – 92.95
7. Fiji – 92.71
8. Sri Lanka – 92.67
9. Dominica – 91.87
10. Zanzibar – 91.83
11. Golden Isles – 91.59
12. Sardinia – 91.57
13. Skye and the Hebrides – 91.17
14. Malta – 91.00
15. Grenada – 90.36
16. Madeira – 90.33
17. Azores – 90.18
18. Maui – 89.70
19. Sicily – 89.53
20. Milos – 89.50
21. Virgin Gorda – 89.43
22. Crete – 89.39
23. Vieques – 89.38
24. Paros – 89.33
25. Kauai – 89.16

THERE’s a beach in the UK that people often compare to the Maldives – and it has just been named one of the UK’s cleanest too.

Porthmeor Beach in Cornwall was recently awarded a Blue Flag status and is often thought to be one of the best beaches in England.

Near to St Ives, the beach is a crescent shape and features pale, soft sand.

The spot is ideal for families as well as budding surfers.

Thanks to being west facing it also is a great spot for watching the sunset.

On some days, visitors even spot dolphins.

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For the little ones, head to the west end of the beach and you’ll find rock pools with creatures in.

Along the beach you can also join the South West Coast Path, where you can head on to the top of cliffs and see amazing views of the beach below.

One recent visitor said: “The best sand I’ve stepped on to date.

“It’ll give the Maldives a run for their money. The water is so clear and pure.

“The pictures won’t do it justice – would definitely recommend a visit if you’re ever in the area.”

Another person added: “This beach is absolutely stunning, on a hot day you could imagine you were in the Maldives or somewhere far more exotic!

The beach backs onto St Ives town, where you can head to the Tate St Ives gallery from £14 per person.

And at the end of the beach you can explore The Island, which is a small park with a chapel.

There are a number of other beaches nearby as well, including Porthgwidden Beach and Bamaluz Beach.

Head to the harbour and you will see the town’s historic lighthouse, too.

Across the streets that sit back from the beaches there are a number of places to grab a bite to eat, from cafes to pubs.

Make sure to head to Pedn Olva, which recently reopend.

The pub overlooks Porthminster Beach with a rooftop bar that has views of the sea.

Inside, visitors can cosy up in ‘snug’ areas or check in to one of the 27 bedrooms that all have sea views (rooms cost from £185 a night).

SWIMMING with sharks in the dark and no cage? Well that is a Jaws-droppingly bold idea.

Just a couple of hours after arriving at the Sun Siyam Iru Veli resort in the Maldives, and being wowed by my over-the-water villa, I’d plunged straight into the aquatic action with an intense but exhilarating experience.

My group of five guests would be night swimming by a coral reef with nurse sharks, which are generally docile around humans.

But they are up to 10ft long and have around 75 teeth!

As the sun set over the Indian Ocean, we gathered at the dive centre to get kitted out and be briefed by guides Alex and Ammaday.

I’m an experienced snorkeller, but it took me a while to get the hang of following the group and coping with the current and waves.

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I was definitely not hanging back to avoid being first on any shark buffet.

Armed with underwater torches, we spotted colourful fish and corals before several nurse sharks swam towards us, some of which were 8ft in length. Absolutely fin-credible.

It is one of various extra-charge activities (£80pp) at the cosy five-star all-inclusive resort in Dhaalu Atoll, now with Privé Collection status after Maldivian-owned Sun Siyam rebranded to mark its 35th anniversary last year.

And now that the Foreign Office has scrapped its advice against travel to destinations such as Doha, flights to this sun-soaked hotspot will be smooth again.

The bucket-list experiences don’t end with sharks.

Another on offer at this resort is the chance to be “cast away” on a desert island, a couple of miles offshore and only accessible by speedboat.

Just us and a resort host on a 200-yards-long by 30-yards-wide sandbar surrounded by pristine sea that’s perfect for snorkelling.

Like the radio show, your Desert Island Discs-covery comes with a “luxury item” — a Japanese bento box and prosecco lunch under a sunshade to refuel you while you enjoy blissful seclusion (experience costs £158pp).

There are plenty of activities included in the price of a stay, too, including guided daytime snorkel tours of the house reef (I found Nemo) and a trip to neighbouring island Ban’didhoo, where some of the 125-villa Iru Veli’s staff live.

Most of the 600 inhabitants work in the fishing industry and our guide Altho showed us the marina where mackerel, yellowfin and bluefin tuna are landed.

To stop overfishing, only rod and line is legal.

After checking out the 17th-century coral-walled mosque, kids’ parks, outdoor gyms and a football ground financed by Sun Siyam, I nosed around a souvenir shop, a 24/7 convenience store (Maldivian WD-40, who knew?) and the small shipyard by the beach.

While there are no resorts on this local island, there is one guest house, the friendly Divhoni, with clean rooms from £55 a night B&B. It’s well worth seeing where Maldivians actually live and work.

As for the other excursions, guests staying at Iru Veli are also entitled to a complimentary sunset cruise to spot dolphins, and £77pp spa credit or scuba, if PADI certified.

All of the swimming and snorkelling requires high energy and the resort’s restaurants can certainly help with that.

Much as I liked the food at the Aqua Orange main buffet, which is included in the price of a stay (the butter chicken curry with ginger pickle was awesome), the most memorable meal was at extra-charge Japanese-themed Teppanyaki, with incredible egg juggling, groan-worthy jokes and stellar chicken, steak, lobster and yellowfin tuna from chef Irvan (set menu £108pp and veggie £71pp). No prizes for guessing where the tuna came from.

One paradise island is never enough, though, and I spent the second half of my week at Sun Siyam’s five-star Iru Fushi resort in the North Male Atoll; like Iru Veli, a 45-minute seaplane transfer from the international airport.

And no sooner had I arrived than I was leaving!

Wild horses couldn’t normally drag me away from a tropical beach, but the throbbing 200 horsepower of a four-seater white “Rolls-Royce” jet car was irresistible.

After a briefing, I was behind the wheel of the £51,000 car-boat, driving across the ocean and getting 007 vibes like the scene with the aquatic Lotus Esprit in the movie The Spy Who Loved Me.

But you don’t have to be a secret agent facing down metal-mouthed baddie Jaws to bag this showstopper.

Starting at £94 for two, you can take the jet car out (escorted by a guide on a jetski) for a thrilling 45mph blast across the ocean that you’ll be telling your mates about for months.

Add drone videos to smash it on socials.

It’s one of various extra-charge activities at the gorgeous Luxury Collection all- inclusive resort.

Others include an Insta-fave floating breakfast in your villa’s infinity pool (£108 for two with fizz).

But there’s so much already included, you can have a brilliant week without spending more than the cost of your holiday in this archipelago of 1,200 islands.

Top of your list will be the Secret Sundowners pop-up bar (alcoholic and non- alcoholic cocktails at Sun Siyam resorts are terrific), wine tasting, kayaking and SUP, guided reef snorkelling and the excellent Sax On The Beach music session.

Food is also a highlight of any Maldives getaway and Sun Siyam’s inclusive restaurants and buffet are so good, you don’t necessarily need to visit a la carte venues.

However, the prawn thermidor I had at Islander’s Grill was sensational.

As was my accommodation, an over-the-water butler-service villa larger than some flats I’ve lived in and with an infinity pool, spa bath and direct sea access.

Iru Fushi has 221 villas and you will rack up your daily steps count getting around this sizeable resort, be it to the dreamy, award-winning Thalgo spa, Fluid bar and its terrific family pool, the adults’ pool and adjacent beachfront No Mistake bar (an unmissable spot), the highly-rated (and included) curry and pan-Asian restaurants or the water sports and dive centre.

You could just lie on the blissful beaches in the Maldives — or you could also drive on the sea like Bond and swim with sharks in the dark.

The choice is Jaws . . . 

Package holiday provider TUI is launching a new direct flight from London Gatwick to a sunshine island in the Indian Ocean that has been likened to a cheaper Maldives or Mauritius

TUI is launching a new non-stop flight to a sun-drenched archipelago likened to the Maldives.

From July 2, sunseekers will be able to get their hands on the package holiday provider’s latest offering – direct flights to Zanzibar in Tanzania.

The new route will depart from London Gatwick twice weekly, operating on Wednesdays and Sundays from 3 November 2027, with the last outbound flight of the season on 22 March 2028, giving customers four months to check out the Indian Ocean winter-sun destination.

Known as the ‘Spice Island’ thanks to its farming industry history, Zanzibar offers a mix of white-sand beaches, thick green forests, mangroves and flat grasslands – all within an hour’s drive of each other. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Stone Town in Zanzibar City adds a rich culture, helping the island blend relaxation with discovery.

Year-round temperatures of 23°C to 32°C make the destination a brilliant winter sun option for both families and couples alike. It also offers a more affordable alternative to Indian Ocean favourites like the Maldives and Mauritius.

The cost is one of the major draw factors of Zanzibar.

Visitors typically spend between £21 and £109 per day per person, with an average of around £50, covering accommodation, sightseeing, food, and local transport, according to Budget Your Trip.

This compares well to the Maldives, where a typical traveller spends around £265 per day and a one-week trip for two averages about £3,800, Budget Your Trip notes. Typically, meals cost about twice as much in the Maldives as in Zanzibar.

The Maldives earns its premium through private-island resorts, overwater bungalows, and a more exclusive feel, but if you want stunning beaches and turquoise water on a more modest budget, Zanzibar is a great bet.

TUI has paired up its new breaks on Zanzibar with a safari. The experience begins with a short flight from the island to neighbouring national parks Nyerere and Serengeti. From there, holidaymakers can head out in search of elephants, lions, and giraffes.

TUI Musement also offers its own National Park and Spice Farm Tour, where customers can spot rare red colobus monkeys, visit a local upcycling centre and discover more about Zanzibar’s history as ‘The Spice Island’ through guided visits and a traditional lunch at a community-run spice farm.

The holiday company owns a number of properties across the island, including TUI BLUE Bahari Zanzibar, , known for its beachside setting on the north-east coast, and The Mora Zanzibar, which is a five-star resort. It boasts private pools and family rooms that sleep up to five guests.

How much does it cost?

All-inclusive package holidays to Zanzibar departing on 17 November 2027, including direct TUI flights, transfers and a seven-night stay at TUI BLUE Bahari Zanzibar start from £2,085 per person, based on two adults sharing.

All-inclusive package holidays staying at the Zanzibar Bay Resort departing on 1 December 2027, including direct TUI flights, transfers and a seven-night stay start from £1,615 per person, based on two adults sharing.

TUI is not the only operator on the island.

The Lost and Found Hostel sits on the east coast and offers very cheap accommodation for those who don’t mind forgoing a little luxury. It has beds for just £16 a night.

Makofi Zanzibar costs roughly double that, but is a little fancier. It is a standout budget pick for the beach. One minute walk to the sea, dorms and private rooms, reliable electricity, and a good restaurant on site.

Several major carriers fly from the UK to Zanzibar, including Ethiopian Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Emirates, and Qatar Airways. All current routes require one or two layovers, with the average journey taking about 12 to 17 hours.

You don’t need to take a 12-hour flight to enjoy a luxury Maldives-style resort. This adults-only hotel in Greece is just a four-hour flight from the UK and offers similarly Instagrammable overwater bungalows and floating breakfasts

If you’ve dreamed of soaking up the sun in an overwater bungalow or swim-up room, then the good news is that you no longer need a long-haul flight to enjoy an island paradise.

Just a four-hour flight from the UK, Stella Island Luxury Resort & Spa could easily be found on a tiny island in the middle of the Indian Ocean. But it’s actually set in the north of Crete, sitting on a long stretch of beach on the sparkling Med. This vast, adults-only resort has a lagoon that meanders through the mega-resort, which is so large that there’s a fleet of golf carts to zip guests around.

But the lagoon is just the start of the watery fun. There are eight pools in total, most of them outdoors, and you’ll find plenty of spots with wooden decking and sunbeds set up for those relaxing days by the water enjoying the Greek sunshine.

Opt for a swim-up room and your accommodation will be set directly on the edge of the lagoon pool, meaning you can swim your way around the resort. There’s no need to find a sunbed in the morning; you can simply relax on your private deck from the moment you get up until bedtime if you want to.

If you don’t feel like walking to the vast breakfast buffet, you can get it delivered right to your door by a mermaid. Nothing quite beats having your morning coffee and a selection of fresh pastries and fruit delivered on a vast floating tray by a mythical creature.

Prices at the hotel tend to compare favourably with luxury Maldives resorts. Outside of peak season, standard rooms with a pool view start at £257 a night based on two sharing on a half-board basis. Overwater nests start at £434 per night for half-board, or £547 for all-inclusive, if you book directly with the hotel.

You can also book the Stella Island Luxury Resort & Spa as a package with TUI or other holiday operators. Deals with TUI include a 7-night break for two, departing October 29 from London Gatwick including easyJet flights and a sharing a double luxury room on a half-board basis. This is currently priced at £1235.97 per person, and if you’d like to upgrade to all-inclusive this is an extra £342 per person for the week.

Stella Island is set in the Analipsi area of Crete, a traditional seaside village with cosy tavernas, mountain scenery and Cretan archaeological sites. If you prefer more lively vibes, Hersonissos is just a short drive away, where you’ll find sandy coves, waterparks, museums, and lots of fun days out.

There are also other accommodation options in the area, such as the NEMA Design Hotel & Spa, a modern, adult-only resort that has rooms with private jacuzzis or pools and a restaurant serving elevated Crete cuisine. Those bringing older kids could also consider Lyttos Mare, a premium all-inclusive that caters to guests over 12 years old, and has room options with private pools.

Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

FANCY some Maldives scenery this summer but don’t fancy the long haul flight or the pricey holiday?

You can also experience a same-style sitting on a small uninhabited island in the Mediterranean.

Suluada – which means ‘water island’ – is often dubbed the ‘Turkish Maldives’ thanks to its pristine blue waters (caused by microorganisms called foraminifera) and stunning beaches.

The unique island used to be volcanic and while the island has no restaurants, bars or hotels, it is a great spot to explore bays and relax on the beach.

And if you are lucky, you might even spot some turtles visiting.

Instead of the long-haul flight, you could fly to Antalya which takes between four and four-and-a-half hours.

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And while the island is a great day trip – be warned it is a little difficult to get to.

From Antalya, you can book onto a £11 per person day trip with GetYourGuide to the island, which includes a pick- up from your hotel in the city, the two-hour drive to Adrasan Port and then the boat trip across to the island.

As part of the day trip, you’ll get to explore the island by boat for an hour before hopping off for a couple of hours to swim in the water and chill on the beach.

And it is not the only pretty spot you’ll get to see on the excursion – the boat will also take you to another hidden bay on the island later in the day.

Once back onboard you’ll be given lunch before sailing back to Adrasan.

Don’t worry – most of the boats have loos, so the lack of facilities on the island shouldn’t be an issue.

This boat trip is one of many on GetYourGuide, with others taking place at sunset instead with dinner included or you could book onto one from either Kemer or Belek, if you aren’t staying in Antalya.

Different tours will also provide different things, so make sure to check before booking whether you need to bring your own snorkelling gear and food.

One recent guest said: “This excursion was, without a doubt, my favourite of the trip!

“I absolutely loved the boat tour and was particularly impressed by the swimming stops, which were definitely the highlight for me.

“The boat itself was perfect, with plenty of comfortable seating, sunbathing areas, and a bar.

“I also have to mention the lunch selection, which was by far the best I experienced during my stay.

“It was an absolute delight from start to finish.”

Flights to Antalya in June cost from around £50 per way and if you are looking for a hotel, there are lots of different options.

For example you could stay at the Crowne Plaza by the beach, with both an indoor and outdoor pool, from £109 per night.

A NEW airline has revealed plans to launch flights to some dream holiday hotspots.

Global Airlines – which is the UK’s newest airline – is planning on adding flights from the UK to the Maldives before Christmas.

Speaking with Metro, the airline’s founder, James Asquith, said: “Ask anyone in the UK, do you want to go to the Maldives? I think everyone would say: ‘I’d love to, it’s my dream holiday, or I want to go there on honeymoon.’

“And it’s so underserved from the UK.”

The Maldives is known for being a popular destination for British tourists, with flights taking around 11 hours to reach the islands which feature pretty white sand beaches and famous bungalows hanging over crystal clear waters.

There are currently direct flights already from the UK to the Maldives, including from London Heathrow with British Airways.

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Asquith also shared that the Maldives is just one of a number of long-haul destinations being considered and that the airline is looking to launch flights from a number of UK regional airports such as Manchester and Birmingham.

In addition to the latest flight route news, the airline is currently buying another plane.

The airline’s only plane at the moment, is an A380 – the world’s largest passenger plane.

The airline’s founder revealed that Global isn’t focusing on short-haul routes but instead, on flights to America and transatlantic destinations.

Though he also joked that they might give “a crack or two” at flying to Honolulu in Hawaii, which usually takes between 15 and 16 hours.

The airline already previously launched a route last year; however, only two flights took off and since then, there have been no other flights.

After initially launching in 2022, Global Airlines wanted to start flying from London Gatwick by 2023 and have around 100 planes flying across Europe by 2025.

However, due to several delays, only two commercial flights have flown to date, which were between Glasgow and New York in May 2025.

Since then, Global Airlines’ only plane has remained at Tarbes Airport in France, in a storage hangar.

Asquith mainly blames the delays on maintenance check wait times, but he remains confident that the Maldives route will be up and running before 2027.