Travellers will soon be able to reach the Maldives non-stop, thanks to a significant new seasonal charter arrangement launch announced today by Luxury Escapes.

Operating initially from 18 May to 2 November, the new service will be operated by the Maldives’ national airline, Maldivian, with Luxury Escapes selling tickets exclusively as part of holiday packages to the Indian Ocean destination.

Dubbed the ‘Luxury Escapes Express’, flights will operate weekly from Melbourne, departing at 11:20pm every Monday night onboard a two-class Airbus A330-200 and will eliminate the need to change planes in Singapore, Doha, Dubai or any other city.

Passengers will touch down in Male just before 6am on Tuesday mornings, with Luxury Escapes accommodation packages to include early check-in and late check-out, allowing travellers to gain immediate access to their rooms and maximise their stay right up until departure. Further transport from Male to and from resorts, such as speedboats or seaplanes, will also be included.

Return flights will depart Male at 8:40pm on Sunday nights, landing back in Melbourne at 12:30pm on Monday. Packages will include a 23kg checked luggage allowance and a 7kg carry-on bag per person.

“Travellers are currently spending almost 24 hours getting to Maldives, with an overnight stay at Singapore or Dubai,” said Luxury Escapes CEO, Adam Schwab.

“The Luxury Escapes Express will give our guests extra days to enjoy their dream Maldivian getaway and our exclusively negotiated early check-in will have guests poolside in time for mid-morning mocktails or cocktails.”

Launch packages are now on sale starting from $2,599 per person, including flights, all transfers, five nights’ accommodation, daily breakfast and dinner and a range of activities including access to watersports equipment such as kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.

For more information, click here.