The national airline, Maldivian, has launched new air connectivity linking four southern atolls of the Maldives, with flights scheduled to commence on 1 February.
The new services will connect Addu City, Fuvahmulah, Gaafu Alifu Atoll and Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll by air. A special ceremony to mark the launch was held at Gan International Airport, attended by Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen, along with several Cabinet ministers and senior officials from Maldivian.
Speaking at the ceremony, Managing Director of Island Aviation Services, Ibrahim Iyas, said Gan International Airport will become the first airport in the history of Island Aviation to be designated as an additional operational base alongside Velana International Airport. He also noted that Maldivian is the first airline to introduce scheduled commercial flights using wheeled Twin Otter aircraft.
Iyas said Addu is an established tourism destination and that enhanced air connectivity between the four atolls will further boost tourism in the southern region. He added that the new services will address long-standing travel difficulties faced by residents of the region.
Maldivian currently operates flights to Gan twice a week. With the introduction of the new service, all southern atolls will now be connected by air, strengthening regional connectivity and contributing to social development, he said.
Under the new operation, four airports across the four atolls have been linked. Bookings for the flights are now open, and Maldivian has announced the applicable fares.
The airline will operate the services across five sectors. These include flights from Addu City to Kaadedhdhoo and Kooddoo airports, as well as routes connecting Fuvahmulah to Kaadedhdhoo and Kooddoo.
Flights will be operated using Twin Otter aircraft, the smallest aircraft type in Maldivian’s fleet, with a seating capacity of 15 passengers.
The initiative aligns with the policy of the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation to strengthen regional transport links, particularly in the southern atolls. With the introduction of these services, Addu is expected to become the main air travel hub for the southern region.
Authorities say the flights will improve access for island residents, facilitating travel for education, private purposes and other essential needs. The services will also enable passengers to transit through Addu for medical treatment.
The launch is expected to benefit both local communities and the tourism industry, allowing tourists to travel between multiple islands in the southern region via a single hub. This is expected to support resorts, guesthouses and other tourism-related service providers.
Maldivian has begun operating small aircraft in the southern region, and the President has previously stated that these aircraft are capable of operating safely at night using short airstrips, enabling air travel to islands where seaplane services are unavailable after dark.