BeOnd Postpones Munich-Malé Flights Until October 2024 for Commercial Reasons

BeOnd, the Maldivian carrier, has announced the suspension of its Munich to Malé route for the upcoming Northern Summer season, with a temporary halt in operations from March 10 until early October. The airline plans to resume the service on October 27, as indicated by its booking platform.

The decision to pause flights on this route was not prominently announced on the airline’s official website or social media channels but was later confirmed by BeOnd to ch-aviation following reports by airliners.de. According to a spokesperson for the airline, the suspension comes as a commercial strategy, with intentions to kickstart the flights again in October.

For passengers affected by this change, BeOnd has offered refunds or an alternative option to fly via Zurich, a route that the airline will maintain throughout the period. The decision comes amidst observations of low passenger numbers on the Munich flights, compounded by the recent cancellation of several scheduled flights at short notice.

BeOnd initiated its operations in September 2023, showcasing a unique A319-100 aircraft configured to carry 44 passengers, targeting the premium leisure travel market. The airline aimed to provide non-stop services from European cities to Malé, positioning itself as a direct competitor to other carriers that usually require a stopover. Nonetheless, the A319’s range necessitates a layover in Riyadh for both Zurich and Munich routes, deviating from the initial non-stop travel promise.

In a move to expand its fleet and offerings, BeOnd disclosed plans in early February to introduce a second aircraft, an A321-200, into its lineup. This aircraft, which is set to feature a 68-seat configuration, is expected to commence operations later this year, following cabin refurbishments. The addition of the A321-200 will pave the way for new routes to Milan Malpensa, Dubai World Central, and Bangkok Suvarnabhumi, marking a significant expansion in BeOnd’s network.

This strategic pause in the Munich-Malé route reflects BeOnd’s adaptability to the market dynamics and commitment to optimizing its operational focus, with a clear plan to broaden its reach and enhance service offerings in the near future.