Immigration gives go-ahead for launch of SriLankan’s Addu operations

Maldives Immigration has provided confirmation that clearance systems will be set up in time for December 1 – the date SriLankan Airline plans to launch direct scheduled flight operations between Colombo and Gan International Airport in Addu City.

Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) had instructed SriLankan to “hold” the launch of its scheduled operations in Gan International Airport last week, citing that systems needed to handle the influx of additional passengers wasn’t ready.

Gan International Airport needs an upgrade on its Border Control for Expatriate Workers and Locals Automated System.

Maldives Immigration reported this Monday that it was going to handle border clearance in Gan International Airport, renewing hope for the long-awaited operations.

Immigration said in its statement that it had hear about SriLankan’s plans to start operations in Gan International Airport over the media. And that it had initiated discussions with relevant authorities to handle immigration clearance.

“We would like to take this opportunity to guarantee the people that Immigration will make all preparations necessary to provide immigration clearance services to both Maldivians and tourists on scheduled flights operating in Gan International Airport on December 1, 2016” read the statement.

SriLankan is unavailable for comment at the moment, but had expressed hopes in earlier interviews that SriLankan would be able to start direct scheduled flight operations in Gan as scheduled.

SriLankan plans to start with four weekly scheduled flights between Colombo and Gan.