Maldivian (Q2, Malé) is said to be planning to make its mainland African debut later this year. Quoting the carrier's newly appointed GSA Perfect Destinations, TIR news said Maldivian was looking to start a weekly Malé-Johannesburg O.R. Tambo, South Africa, service at some point in the near future.

Final dates and frequencies have yet to be finalized, the report added.

Prior to its suspension of operations, Mega Maldives Air (Malé) had touted South Africa as a potential new destination given its stance as a strong source of tourist traffic for the Maldives in years past.

"The lack of convenient air services after the conclusion of charter flights many years ago has reduced demand. With new convenient direct services, we believe South Africa will once again be a strong market," it said.

For its part, Maldivian's international services currently extend to China, India, Bangladesh, and Thailand which it serves with its A320/A321 fleet. In June, the carrier sought to damp-lease an A330-200 for use on flights to China. Though the contract was to have begun on July 23, no aircraft has, to date, been secured.