The Maldives is set to benefit from enhanced air connectivity as Turkish Airlines increases its flight frequency between Istanbul and Malé for the 2026 summer season.

The additional service will operate from 13 May to 20 October 2026 on the Istanbul to Malé route (TK 740), with the return leg from Malé to Istanbul (TK 741) running from 14 May to 21 October 2026. The new frequency is scheduled as a weekly Wednesday departure from Istanbul and a Thursday return from Malé.

Under the updated schedule, flight TK 740 will depart Istanbul at 20:20 and arrive in Malé at 06:30, while TK 741 will depart Malé at 08:00 and arrive in Istanbul at 14:20.

With this addition, Turkish Airlines will operate six weekly flights between the Maldives and Istanbul, strengthening one of the key air links between the Maldives and Europe.

The increase in frequency enhances travel flexibility for passengers connecting through Istanbul, a major global hub linking Europe, North America, and other regions. It also supports growing demand from European markets, while providing alternative routing options amid ongoing adjustments across some Middle East air corridors.

Improved connectivity remains a key factor in sustaining tourism growth, enabling smoother access to the Maldives from a wide network of source markets. The expanded Turkish Airlines schedule is expected to support both leisure travel and trade movement, reinforcing the Maldives’ accessibility during the 2026 summer period.

The development reflects continued confidence in the Maldives as a leading long-haul destination and supports efforts to maintain strong visitor flows through diversified air access.