Maldivian connects four southern atolls with small planes

Maldivian Airlines has connected four southern atolls by air with small planes, with the airline publicizing ticket prices yesterday.

As per a social media post by Maldivian, they have decided to begin flights between Gaafu Alif Atoll, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, Fuvahmulah and Addu. The airline also said that the flights will begin next month.

Maldivian stated that booking has been opened for said flights.

In light of their new service, Maldivian has reconfigured their DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft to be able to land on runways by installing wheels. With the, the aircraft can now land at Addu Gan, Fuvahmulah, Kaadedhdhoo and Kooddoo airports.

The de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter is a Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) aircraft with a 15-person capacity. This aircraft can be prepared for takeoff in a short amount of time and is considered suitable for short flights between Maldives' southern atoll.

Twin Otter aircraft are mainly being used as seaplanes in Maldives, with said crafts playing the biggest role in transporting tourists between Male' and resorts.

As per yesterday's press release from Maldivian, they have introduced special flights for southern atolls under the work being done by the Transport Ministry in order to better connectivity within said atolls.

The main purpose of the service is to find a solution to the issues that plague the general public in traveling between southern islands and to establish a trustworthy and speedy transport system, as was written in the press release.

The press release states:

With Maldivian starting air travel with said small aircraft, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has stated last month that talk of establishing a new aviation system can be held instead of building more domestic airports, with an airstrip for smaller planes being something that can be done.