Maldivian to commence scheduled flights to Kudahuvadhoo

The national airline, Maldivian, has announced plans to begin scheduled flights to Dh. Kudahuvadhoo Airport, which is operated by a private company.

The Kudahuvadhoo Council confirmed on Sunday that it has been notified of Maldivian’s plans to commence scheduled services to the airport, which is managed by Manta Air. Speaking with Sun, Kudahuvadhoo Council’s President Mohamed Saleem said discussions with Maldivian were initiated following the lack of scheduled services by Manta Air. He added that Maldivian had assured the council that it would facilitate the service.

"The exact date for the commencement of Maldivian’s scheduled flights is not yet confirmed. However, we have been informed that operations will start between the 13^th (today) and the 17th of this month. Maldivian also mentioned that bookings would be open on their portal from the 13th onwards. While the destination is now listed, the full schedule is not yet visible on the portal," Saleem said.

Kudahuvadhoo has since been added to the list of destinations available on Maldivian’s website, having previously been absent from the airline’s booking section.

When contacted for further information, Maldivian officials declined to provide additional details, saying an announcement will follow shortly. 

Meanwhile, Manta Air has not yet commented on the latest changes to its airport operations.

Although Manta Air has recently reduced the frequency of its domestic services, Maldivian has been operating charter flights to Kudahuvadhoo at the request of Manta Air. Kudahuvadhoo Airport serves as an important gateway for transporting tourists to the atoll’s high-end resorts, as well as for residents traveling between Malé and the atoll. The airport was previously served exclusively by Manta Air, which operates it as the airline’s primary hub.