French bee Launches Maldives and Sri Lanka Routes This Winter: How to Book at the Best Price

French low-cost carrier French bee is expanding its Indian Ocean network from Paris-Orly starting December 19, 2026. Following destinations like La Réunion, New York, and Montréal, the airline will add two new routes: Malé in the Maldives and Colombo in Sri Lanka. This expansion comes at the perfect time for travelers seeking sun and beaches during the winter, with competitive fares remaining a key advantage. Here’s everything you need to know to take advantage of this opportunity.

Starting December 19, 2026, French bee will offer flights to Malé and Colombo from Paris-Orly. These routes will be part of its winter schedule, running until March 27, 2027. The airline, which operates exclusively Airbus A350 aircraft, is banking on attractive fares to appeal to an international clientele. The Maldives and Sri Lanka, two Indian Ocean gems, will now be more accessible from France with nonstop flights.

For Malé, the airline plans two weekly flights with fares starting at €649. Colombo will be served up to three times per week, with tickets starting at €599. While these fares are competitive for such sought-after destinations, they are expected to quickly draw travelers’ attention. The Colombo route will even be extended until May 1, 2027, offering an extra window to enjoy Sri Lankan beaches.

Optimized network for seamless connections French bee isn’t stopping there. The airline recently signed a codeshare agreement with Air Caraïbes and Air Corsica. This partnership allows travelers to book a single ticket for multi-airline itineraries, with one boarding pass and a single baggage check-in to the final destination. A boon for those looking to explore multiple destinations in one trip, such as Corsica before heading to the Maldives or Sri Lanka.

This cooperation between French airlines aims to simplify connections at Paris-Orly, where passengers can transfer between long-haul flights stress-free. The routes covered include not only French bee’s new lines but also cities like Montréal, New York, and Papeete. For travelers from Corsica, this is also an opportunity to reach North America or the Antilles more easily.

Marc-Antoine Blondeau, CEO of French bee, notes that « the addition of Malé and Colombo marks a new milestone in the airline’s development ». He adds that French bee aims to maintain « controlled growth » while strengthening the tourist markets that shape its network. With a fleet composed exclusively of A350s, the airline guarantees optimal comfort for these long-haul flights.

Ideal destinations for a sunny winter escape Malé, the capital of the Maldives, is renowned for its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and luxury resorts. It’s a top destination for travelers seeking relaxation and paradise-like landscapes. Colombo, meanwhile, offers a unique blend of history, culture, and nature, with sites like Gangaramaya Temple and Mount Lavinia’s beaches. Both destinations are perfect for escaping the European winter and enjoying tropical climates.

Travelers can book their tickets directly on the French bee website or through partner travel agencies. The airline recommends booking quickly, as seats are likely to fill up as Christmas and New Year approaches—a traditionally high-demand period. Promotional fares may also be limited in time, encouraging travelers not to delay.

Investing in service quality French bee isn’t just adding destinations to its network. The airline is also focusing on an improved customer experience, with onboard services tailored to travelers’ expectations. The A350 cabins offer generous space, comfortable seats, and Wi-Fi connectivity on select flights. Meals and beverages, while paid, are prepared with fresh ingredients to ensure a pleasant experience.

For travelers concerned about their carbon footprint, French bee also offers carbon offset options, allowing them to neutralize the environmental impact of their flight. An initiative that aligns with the airline’s commitment to more responsible air transport.

Key takeaways for booking - Start dates: December 19, 2026, for both Malé and Colombo. - Frequencies: 2 flights per week to Malé, 3 flights per week to Colombo. - Fares: Starting at €599 for Colombo, €649 for Malé. - Flight duration: Approximately 11 hours to Malé, 10.5 hours to Colombo. - Booking: Online at frenchbee.com or via partner agencies. - Codeshare agreement: Simplified booking with Air Caraïbes and Air Corsica.

With these new routes, French bee reaffirms its ambition to become a go-to option for French and European travelers looking to explore the Indian Ocean without breaking the bank. An opportunity not to be missed before prices rise and seats become scarce.

Why are these destinations so attractive this winter?

The 2026-2027 winter season looks ideal for visiting the Maldives and Sri Lanka. Both destinations boast dry, sunny weather during this period, with pleasant temperatures around 28-30°C. Unlike other regions where winter means cold or rain, the Indian Ocean offers a paradise-like getaway to recharge.

The Maldives, an archipelago of over 1,000 islands, is a dream destination for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. The coral reefs host exceptional marine biodiversity, with manta rays, whale sharks, and a multitude of tropical fish. Resorts, often built on private islands, offer overwater villas or bungalows directly on the water, providing unparalleled privacy and comfort. For budget-conscious travelers, more affordable options exist on the main island of Malé or local islands like Maafushi, where accommodations and restaurants are far cheaper than in resorts.

Sri Lanka, on the other hand, is a more varied destination where travelers can alternate between beaches, national parks, and cultural sites. The country boasts numerous secluded beaches, such as those in Mirissa or Unawatuna, perfect for relaxation. Safari enthusiasts can explore parks like Yala or Udawalawe to spot elephants, leopards, and rich wildlife. Finally, the cultural aspect is a must: cities like Kandy, home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, or Sigiriya, with its Lion Rock fortress, offer a journey through time.

Both destinations are also well-served by direct flights from Europe, minimizing travel time and the hassle of connections. With French bee, French travelers benefit from a direct departure from Paris-Orly, nonstop, offering a significant time and comfort advantage.

How to make the most of these new routes

Booking a flight to the Maldives or Sri Lanka with French bee is straightforward, but a few tips can help secure the best price. First, keep an eye on promotions and early-bird fares, often available weeks before departure. The airline regularly offers special deals, especially during off-peak periods like January or February.

For flexible travelers, choosing weekdays over weekends can lead to substantial savings, as prices tend to be higher on weekends. Similarly, avoiding French school holiday periods can result in significant savings. Combining flights with hotel or package bookings may also unlock discounts, particularly through French bee’s partners.

Once the flight is booked, it’s important to prepare for the trip. For the Maldives, budget for additional transport between islands, often by boat or seaplane. For Sri Lanka, a visa is required for French nationals, but it can be easily obtained online before departure. The cost is around $50, with a typically quick processing time.

Health-wise, check that vaccinations are up to date before traveling. For the Maldives, no vaccinations are mandatory, but it’s advisable to be current on universal vaccines like diphtheria, tetanus, or hepatitis A. For Sri Lanka, vaccines for hepatitis A and typhoid are recommended, along with antimalarial treatment for rural areas.

Finally, ensure adequate travel insurance is in place. Healthcare costs abroad can be high, and travel insurance is strongly advised. French bee sometimes offers insurance options at the time of booking, which can be convenient to avoid last-minute oversights.

In summary, French bee offers a golden opportunity to explore the Maldives and Sri Lanka this winter. With competitive fares, nonstop flights from Paris-Orly, and quality service, the airline positions itself as a key player for travelers seeking sun and adventure. A compelling reason to book now and take advantage of these new routes before they become even more popular.

French bee’s expanding network

French bee isn’t stopping at the Maldives and Sri Lanka. The airline, which operates exclusively Airbus A350 aircraft, continues to expand its network to offer more destinations accessible from France. With flights to La Réunion, New York, Montréal, Miami, and San Francisco, it positions itself as a credible alternative to traditional major airlines.

The codeshare agreement with Air Caraïbes and Air Corsica marks a significant step in French bee’s strategy. By collaborating with these two airlines, it broadens its offering and simplifies connections for travelers looking to explore multiple destinations in one trip. This approach could particularly appeal to tourists seeking multi-country adventures, such as a trip combining Corsica and the Maldives.

In the coming years, French bee has announced its intention to continue growing in a controlled manner, targeting high-potential tourist markets. With a modern fleet and competitive fares, it represents an attractive option for travelers looking to avoid overcrowded airports and endless connections. Its long-haul low-cost model, inspired by the success of short-haul low-cost airlines, is winning over more and more passengers.

By launching these new routes to the Indian Ocean, French bee confirms its ambition to become a major player in French and European air transport. A strategy that could well inspire other airlines in the years to come.

What travelers need to know before departure

Before booking a flight with French bee to the Maldives or Sri Lanka, it’s essential to check entry requirements for both countries. For the Maldives, French nationals benefit from a visa exemption for tourist stays of less than 30 days. They only need to present a valid passport and a return ticket. For Sri Lanka, an electronic visa is mandatory and can be obtained online before departure. The cost is around $50, with a typically quick processing time.

Health-wise, check that vaccinations are up to date before traveling. For the Maldives, no vaccinations are mandatory, but it’s advisable to be current on universal vaccines like diphtheria, tetanus, or hepatitis A. For Sri Lanka, vaccines for hepatitis A and typhoid are recommended, along with antimalarial treatment for rural areas.

Finally, ensure adequate travel insurance is in place. Healthcare costs abroad can be high, and travel insurance is strongly advised. French bee sometimes offers insurance options at the time of booking, which can be convenient to avoid last-minute oversights.

In short, French bee offers a golden opportunity to explore the Maldives and Sri Lanka this winter. With competitive fares, nonstop flights from Paris-Orly, and quality service, the airline positions itself as a key player for travelers seeking sun and adventure. A compelling reason to book now and take advantage of these new routes before they become even more popular.