Southern atolls linked as Twin Otter fitted with wheels

Aviation across Gaafu Alif Atoll, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, Fuvahmulah and Addu has been connected, with Maldivian having begun scheduled flights today.

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

The service inauguration ceremony was held today at Addu Gan, with Island Aviation Services (IAS) Managing Director Ibrahim Iyas stating Gan International Airport will be used as a base for the flights, which will have daily flights. MD Iyas said that it will ease air travel for everyone.

"Our company and the government prioritized the citizens and making it easier for them when determining airfare," said Iyas.

Iyas stated that Maldivian believes these prices are fair and affordable for the public. 

"The average travel time between Gan and Fuvahmulah is 20 minutes, with around 35 minutes between Gan and Kaadedhdhoo or Kooddoo," said Iyas.

Iyas went on to say that Maldivian currently has Gan-Male' and Gan-Fuvahmulah-Gan flights twice a week.

"With the operation that is being inaugurated today, all the atolls will be connected. In addition to travel by sea, the facilitation of air travel will be a relief to residents of these atolls," said Iyas.

At the ceremony, Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen said that work had been done twice to implement air travel via seaplane between the four southern atolls. Nevertheless, as their efforts did not move forward in a sustainable manner, their best option was the "Land Based Schedule Connectivity", said Ameen.

"We have planned to bring additional changes to the airplane schedule by looking at the demand once demand increases and if more high capacity airplanes are needed," said Ameen.

He also said that there will be progress in tourism across Gaafu Alif Atoll, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, Fuvahmulah and Addu with the service that has been introduced today.