National carrier Maldivian officially inaugurated scheduled flights between Malé and Dhaalu Atoll’s Kudahuvadhoo Airport on Thursday morning, marking a key expansion in the country’s domestic transit network.
To mark the September 17 launch, the airline introduced a special promotional one-way fare starting at MVR 1,111.
Boosting Accessibility and Commerce
The newly added route brings Maldivian’s total domestic destination count to 18. According to the airline, the service directly aligns with government initiatives to strengthen connectivity between the capital and the atolls.
The route is set to streamline travel for Dhaalu Atoll residents commuting to Malé for essential services like healthcare, higher education, and employment. Additionally, it is expected to stimulate regional commerce and bolster local tourism across the atoll.
Navigating Regional Transit Dynamics
Kudahuvadhoo Airport serves as a major hub for tourist transfers to luxury resorts in Dhaalu Atoll, as well as a vital transit link for local residents. The airport is currently operated by private airline Manta Air.
Maldivian’s entry into scheduled operations on this route follows a period during which the carrier operated charter flights to Kudahuvadhoo at Manta Air’s request, following reductions in Manta’s own domestic flight schedules. Manta Air has not yet issued a statement regarding how the entry of the flag carrier will impact daily operations at the hub
