Maldives. Photo: Shutterstock Etihad Guest members will soon have another way to reach islands across the Maldives after Etihad Airways signed a new partnership with Maldivian, the country's national airline.
The agreement, announced at Arabian Travel Market, will allow Etihad Guest members to redeem their miles for flights across Maldivian's domestic network. The option will give travelers arriving in Malé a way to continue their journey to islands and atolls beyond the Maldivian capital using miles they have already earned.
Male, Maldives, Photo; ShutterstockThe partnership expands the ways Etihad Guest members can use their miles when traveling to the Maldives, including passengers arriving from Abu Dhabi and those connecting onward after reaching the country.
Mark Potter, Managing Director of Etihad Guest at Etihad Airways, said the agreement would give members more options when using their miles and provide access to destinations that could otherwise require a separate booking.
“Our new partnership with Maldivian will give members another way to put their Etihad Guest Miles to work, with access to destinations across the Maldives that would otherwise mean a separate booking,” Potter said.
Maldivian operates the largest domestic network in the Maldives, according to the airline. Its network connects Malé with islands and atolls across the country, making the new mileage option particularly relevant for travelers whose final destination is outside the capital.
Ibrahim Iyas, Managing Director of Maldivian, said the partnership would combine Etihad's international reach with Maldivian's domestic network.
“Etihad Guest members arriving into Malé will be able to use miles they have already earned to travel on with us, to islands and atolls right across the Maldives,” Iyas said.
The new agreement builds on an existing relationship between the two airlines. Etihad and Maldivian signed an interline agreement in 2024, allowing passengers traveling on a single ticket to connect through Malé to 17 airports across the Maldives.
The latest partnership adds a different option for Etihad Guest members. Rather than simply booking an onward connection as part of an Etihad and Maldivian itinerary, eligible members will be able to use their Etihad Guest Miles for Maldivian flights across its network.
For travelers heading to the Maldives, that could make it easier to combine an international flight with a domestic connection to an island resort or other destination outside Malé.
Maldives. Photo: ShutterstockThe Maldives is known for its resort islands, overwater villas and marine attractions, but many travelers need a domestic flight after arriving at Velana International Airport to reach their final destination.
The new Etihad Guest partnership is expected to give members more flexibility when planning those onward journeys, extending the usefulness of their miles beyond Etihad's own network.
The airlines have not yet announced when mileage redemptions under the new partnership will become available or provided details of the redemption rates.