Maldivian to provide connections from three northern atolls for flights from Addu to Colombo

Island Aviation Services has stated that the national carrier Maldivian will arrange connections from three atolls in the north, Gaafu Alif, Gaafu Dhaalu and Fuvahmulah for their flights from Addu International Airport, Seenu Gan to Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Managing Director of the government’s aviation company Island Aviation Services Abdul Haris said that the company is preparing to begin flights from Addu to Colombo on the 7th of August this year.

“There are certain things that have to be done by both sides in terms of operation, regulation and from the legal side, as we look to commencing flights. It will also take some time to do the necessary to commence scheduled flights to Sri Lanka,” Haris said.

He said that the company is working on coming to a code sharing and international agreement with Sri Lankan, ahead of commencing flights on the new route to Colombo.

“Both sides will benefit. We’re not only focusing on Addu, but also provide connections to people who want to travel from Gaafu Alif Kooddoo, Gaafu Dhaalu Kaadedhdhoo and Fuvahmulah. This will reduce the cost, relative to going to Colombo from Male’, when they can make the trip straight from Gan,” Haris said. “Fights between Gan and Colombo will be acceptably cheap.”

The Managing Director said that Maldivian will also arrange for to carry cargo on their flights between Gan and Colombo.

Sri Lankan Airlines has also proposed to begin flights between Gan, Addu to Colombo. The airline has not yet announced when to expect the flights.