The boutique airline beOnd has announced it will launch new routes connecting London and Paris to the Maldives starting in December 2026. The airline, which aims to differentiate itself in the crowded Maldives market by focusing on the luxury leisure segment with business class-only flights, plans to operate three weekly services for each route. These flights will connect Heathrow and Charles de Gaulle airports to Malé International Airport, with overnight flights including a refuelling stop at Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport. The new routes complement beOnd’s existing services linking the Maldives to Munich, Zurich, and Milan. Additionally, the airline intends to increase frequency on some European routes, with flights to Munich expanding from two to four weekly and Zurich from two to five weekly starting mid-December 2026.
beOnd currently operates two aircraft, an Airbus A321 and an Airbus A319, each offering lie-flat business class seats, premium onboard service, and curated menus inspired by destination flavors. The aircraft feature seat shells designed by Ferrari, Italian leather fittings, and in-flight entertainment including Beats headphones, VR headsets, and Apple iPads for content. The airline provides a private chauffeur service for passengers and is headquartered in Dubai with a base in the Maldives. It claims to be the only other all-business class airline in the world besides French carrier La Compagnie, which serves North America.
This strategic expansion aims to target the luxury travel sector, offering a highly exclusive experience with limited seating capacity of up to 68 passengers per flight on the A321. The airline is backed by the investment firm Arabesque and the Maldivian FMCG group, SIMDI. The move reflects the growing demand for premium travel options, especially from European travelers seeking high-end leisure experiences in the Maldives.
