Air connectivity between four key southern atolls was formally established on Thursday, marking a major breakthrough in regional transportation and fulfilling a long-standing development pledge of the current administration.
The new air network, operated by Maldivian, links Gaafu Alifu Atoll, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, Fuvahmulah City, and Addu City, significantly reducing travel time and improving access across the southern region. Scheduled daily operations are set to begin next month, with bookings already open to the public.
The initiative was officially inaugurated at Gan International Airport, during a ceremony attended by Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen, cabinet ministers, and senior government officials. At the event, the operational permit for the new service was formally handed over to Maldivian’s Managing Director Ibrahim Iyas.
Speaking at the ceremony, Iyas described the service as a transformative step for southern communities, confirming that flights will operate daily using small aircraft adapted for land-based runways. He said the new connectivity would ease travel for residents, strengthen social links between atolls, and unlock fresh economic opportunities.
The service will be operated using DHC-6-300 Twin Otter aircraft, each accommodating around 15 passengers. Introductory one-way fares have been set at MVR 500 between Gan and Fuvahmulah, MVR 900 between Gan and Kaadedhdhoo or Kooddoo, and MVR 650 between Fuvahmulah and both Kaadedhdhoo and Kooddoo, making inter-atoll air travel more affordable than ever before.
Government officials emphasized that improved connectivity is expected to stimulate tourism growth in the south while supporting trade, employment, and public service access. The initiative aligns closely with the development vision of President Mohamed Muizzu, who has recently highlighted the use of small aircraft as a practical and cost-effective alternative to large-scale airport construction across the islands.
With the launch of this network, the southern atolls move into a new era of connectivity, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to balanced national development and equitable access to modern transport infrastructure.
