Air Maldives, the Maldives' first national airline and flag carrier, was founded on 1 October 1974 during the presidency of Ibrahim Nasir. For 26 years, it played a pivotal role in the country’s aviation sector until ceasing operations in 2000 due to bankruptcy.

 

The airline commenced service with two Convair 440 aircraft acquired from Caribbean United Airlines, named "Flying Fish I" (8Q-AM101) and "Flying Fish II" (8Q-AM102). The first Air Maldives aircraft touched down at Hulhulé Airport on 9 October 1974, marking a significant milestone in the nation's aviation history.

 

 

 

• 2 x Airbus A300 (leased and returned)

• 3 x Airbus A310 (leased and returned)

• 1 x de Havilland Canada Dash 8 (Still in service with Maldivian (airline) as 8Q-AMD)

• 2 x Dornier 228 (Both scrapped in 2008)

  Short SC-7 Skyvan

• 1 x Short SC-7 Skyvan (Sold in 1991)

• 2 x Convair 440 (1 sold, 1 scrapped)

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• France - Paris

• Germany - Frankfurt

• India - Trivandrum

• Japan - Tokyo

• Maldives - Male', Gan, Hanimaadhoo, Kaadedhdhoo, Kadhdhoo

• Malaysia - Kuala Lumpur

• South Korea - Seoul

• Sri Lanka - Colombo

• Thailand - Bangkok

• United Arab Emirates - Dubai

• United Kingdom - London, Manchester

The airline operated scheduled daily flights between Malé and Colombo six times a week, allocating the seventh day for maintenance. Additionally, a domestic service was introduced, featuring a fortnightly flight between Malé and Gan. To streamline operations, the airline appointed travel agents in Colombo to manage ticket sales and engaged Air Ceylon for airport handling, minimizing its own ground staffing requirements.

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In 1976, Tri-9 Corporation, a Singapore-based company, acquired a 49% stake in the airline and assumed management and operational control on 1 June. Following the withdrawal of the Royal Air Force from its airbase on Gan, the airline discontinued its flights to the island.

Following Tri-9’s takeover, the airline’s two aircraft were in poor condition and were transported to Seletar, Singapore for extensive maintenance. Upon inspection, one of the aircraft, 8Q-AM101 ("Flying Fish I"), was deemed beyond economic repair and was subsequently stored at Seletar until it was dismantled. In October 1976, it was replaced by another Convair 440 aircraft (registration N90907) owned by Tri-9. Meanwhile, 8Q-AM102 ("Flying Fish II") underwent a major overhaul and resumed service in November 1976.

However, in May 1977, the Maldivian Government grounded the airline's fleet and froze its assets, leading to a complete cessation of operations. As a result, N90907 was returned to Singapore, while 8Q-AM102 remained stored at Hulhulé Airport until its sale in January 1979.

In the early 1980s, Air Maldives focused solely on domestic operations, providing regular flights between Malé and Gan in Addu Atoll using a Short Skyvan aircraft. In the late 1980s, the airline upgraded its fleet with two Dornier 228 aircraft following the inauguration of additional domestic airports in Hanimaadhoo (Haa Dhaalu Atoll) and Kahdhoo (Laamu Atoll).

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During the 1990s, Air Maldives expanded internationally once again, supported by new investments. It transitioned into a joint venture airline, with the Maldivian government holding a 51% stake and Naluri Berhad, the majority shareholder of Malaysia Airlines, owning the remaining 49%. On 10 November 1994, the airline launched scheduled international flights to Dubai, Colombo, Trivandrum, and Kuala Lumpur. Subsequently, routes to Bangkok and London (via Dubai) were added, marking a significant expansion of its network.

In 2000, Air Maldives was officially dissolved following bankruptcy, with reported financial losses estimated at approximately US$69.2 million. The circumstances surrounding the airline’s closure remained unclear, with details never fully disclosed. Notably, it appeared that high-ranking government officials were shielded from scrutiny regarding the matter.

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The abrupt and unexplained collapse of the national flag carrier left the Maldivian public disappointed and bewildered. Despite the country’s restricted press freedoms, citizens openly demanded clarification on the airline’s downfall. However, the blame was largely placed on Malaysian entrepreneur Tajudin Ramli, the former CEO of Malaysia Airlines, and public discourse on the issue soon faded.