Luxury boutique airline beOnd, which operates exclusively with business-class seating, has officially announced the launch of its inaugural flights connecting London and Paris to the Maldives. The premium services are scheduled to commence in December 2026, marking a significant expansion for the carrier known for its all-lie-flat-seat experience.
Route Details and Schedule
The new routes will operate three times weekly in both directions, linking London Heathrow Airport and Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport with Malé International Airport in the Maldives. While marketed as direct flights, each journey will include a brief 45-minute technical and refuelling stop at Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai. This stopover is designed to ensure seamless travel without the need for passengers to book separate flights or endure lengthy layovers.
Flight Timings and Launch Date
Flights are planned for Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, with a midday departure from London. The inaugural service from London is set to launch on December 16, 2026. Passengers will depart London around noon, arriving in Dubai at approximately 9:00 PM before continuing to Malé for a 6:30 AM arrival. The return leg will depart Malé at 9:00 PM, landing in Dubai at 2:00 AM, and then proceeding to Heathrow for a 6:30 AM arrival.
Premium Amenities and Pricing
Fares for these luxurious journeys start at around £2,700 for a return ticket from London. beOnd, which brands itself as the 'first pure luxury airline,' aims to deliver an exceptional inflight experience that surpasses expectations. The aircraft are outfitted with lie-flat seats featuring seat shells designed by Ferrari, as reported by euronews. Additional amenities include a curated gourmet menu, an extensive wine list, and private chauffeuring services to the airport.
Strategic Expansion and Tourism Impact
Tero Taskila, CEO of beOnd, emphasized the airline's commitment to global growth and boosting tourism to the Maldives. 'The Maldives will always be our home,' Taskila stated. 'We are investing in new aircraft, new markets, and new partnerships that will strengthen the Maldives' global reach and open the destination to more premium leisure travellers year-round. Our ambition is to shape the future of travel to the Maldives and contribute to the country's long-term tourism growth.'
Since its commercial debut in 2023, beOnd has established itself as an award-winning carrier, operating Airbus A319 and A321 aircraft. The airline currently serves routes from Zurich, Munich, Milan, Riyadh, the Red Sea, Dubai, and the Maldives, with the newly announced London and Paris connections set to enhance its network. Holding an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) in the Maldives, beOnd has already fostered increased tourism from the Middle East and Europe, and these new routes are expected to further elevate its presence in the premium travel market.
