News Desk
The Maldives’ national airline, Maldivian, is set to launch a new network of southern domestic and regional flights in February, linking four southern atolls by air for the first time, officials announced on Sunday.
The launch ceremony, held at Gan International Airport, was attended by several cabinet ministers and senior officials. The new routes will be operated by wheeled Twin Otter aircraft based in Gan, according to Island Aviation Managing Director Ibrahim Iyas.
Iyas said the service would significantly improve connectivity and tourism across the southern atolls, which have long been underserved by domestic aviation links.
The new network will include five routes connecting Gan to nearby domestic airports, as well as to Kaadedhdhoo, Kooddoo and Fuvah Mulah.
Planned routes include:
- Gan – Fuvah Mulah: MVR 500
- Fuvah Mulah – Kooddoo: MVR 650
- Fuvah Mulah – Kaadedhdhoo: MVR 650
- Gan – Kaadedhdhoo: MVR 900
- Gan – Kooddoo: MVR 900
President Mohamed Muizzu has previously said the government intends to expand safe night‑flight operations using wheeled seaplane aircraft capable of landing on small airstrips in remote islands where traditional seaplane operations are not possible after dark.
Officials say the new southern network is part of a broader effort to improve inter‑atoll mobility, reduce travel times for residents, and open new tourism corridors in the southern region.
