Island Aviation Services Ltd (IASL), the operator of the national carrier Maldivian, has issued a new call for proposals to finance‑lease two new ATR 42‑600 aircraft. The announcement marks a renewed effort to secure long‑term financing after an earlier tender for the same aircraft was released in late 2025. According to the new Request for Proposal (RFP) published on 2 February 2026, IASL is seeking a finance lease arrangement with a minimum term of fifteen years. The re‑ten

Maldivian has launched a new wheel‑based Twin Otter operation in the southern atolls, connecting Gan with Fuvahmulah, Kaadedhdhoo, and Kooddoo. The airline is positioning the service as a major step toward strengthening regional mobility a long‑standing ambition for the south. The move marks the first time Maldivian has deployed wheel-based Twin Otters for scheduled domestic airport‑to‑airport flights. While the new operation brings renewed optimism, it enters a region where

Maldivian, the national airline of the Maldives, marks an important milestone as it celebrates 18 years since launching flights to Trivandrum, India. The airline first commenced operations to the South Indian city on 25 January 2008, establishing one of its earliest and most enduring international routes. Over nearly two decades, the Trivandrum sector has played a key role in connecting Maldivian travelers with Kerala’s capital, an important hub for medical travel, education,

A newly converted De Havilland Canada DHC‑6‑300 Twin Otter has arrived in Addu City, marking the official start of Maldivian’s wheel‑based operations across the southern atolls. The aircraft, previously configured as a floatplane for seaplane transfers, has been refitted with landing gear to operate scheduled domestic flights linking Gan, Fuvahmulah, Kaadedhdhoo, and Kooddoo. The enhanced connectivity anticipated to support regional tourism, giving travellers easier access to

Maldivian operated the first seaplane flight from Male’ to Noonu Velidhoo today, marking the island's first direct air link to the capital and a significant step in improving regional connectivity. The inaugural flight departed Velidhoo this afternoon with 15 passengers on board with the flight departing at 2:40PM, formally opening the new route. A brief ceremony was held in Velidhoo to mark the occasion, attended by Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed, M

Maldivian will introduce new DHC‑6 Twin Otter wheel‑based flights in the southern region this February, expanding short‑sector connectivity between Gan, Fuvahmulah, Kaadedhdhoo, and Kooddoo. The new operation is expected to enhance connectivity across the southern atolls by offering faster, more direct links between Gan, Fuvahmulah, Kaadedhdhoo, and Kooddoo. The service is anticipated to ease travel for local communities while also supporting regional tourism by providing a q

Maldivian will host a public music carnival in Hulhumale’ on 6th February as part of its lead‑up to the airline’s resumption of flights to Dhaka, Bangladesh. The “Dhaka, We Heard You” Music Carnival will be held at the Hulhumale’ Synthetic Track from 20:00 to 23:00, featuring live performances, music, and entertainment. The carnival comes as Maldivian prepares to restart its Dhaka service on 12 March, restoring an important route for travellers and for the large Bangladeshi p

Maldivian will restart flights to Dhaka, Bangladesh on March 12, restoring an important route for both Maldivian travellers and the large Bangladeshi community living and working in the Maldives. The airline has already opened ticket sales, with return fares starting at USD 399, including a 30kg baggage allowance. Passengers can now book seats through Maldivian’s website, mobile app, ticketing offices, and authorised agents.

Maldivian has issued an update after Flight Q22342, operating from Male’ to Bangkok, diverted to Colombo earlier today along its planned route. According to the airline, the diversion was made to due to airspace limitations that temporarily affected the original route. The stop in Colombo was brief, and once clearance was obtained, the aircraft resumed its journey to Bangkok without further disruption. Maldivian confirmed that the flight arrived safely in Bangkok, and passeng

Maldivian is preparing to resume scheduled services to Dhaka, restoring a key South Asian connection that has faced intermittent operations and prolonged suspensions in recent years. The national carrier first launched flights to the Bangladeshi capital on 15 November 2012, but the route has repeatedly been halted due to operational and commercial constraints. During the latest suspension, the Maldives–Bangladesh market continued to be served by US‑Bangla Airlines, which has

Island Aviation Services Limited (IASL) has inaugurated the apron extension at Maafaru International Airport and commenced construction of the airport’s terminal building expansion, marking the latest phase of development at the Noonu Atoll facility. Maafaru International Airport, opened in 2018, was built to support the growing number of high‑end resorts in the region and to accommodate private jets and narrow‑body aircraft. Since its opening, the airport has undergone sever

Island Aviation Services Limited, the state-owned operator of the national airline Maldivian, has reported a net loss of MVR 46.36 million for the first quarter of 2025, according to figures released by the Privatization and Corporatization Board (PCB). The airline generated MVR 672.52 million in revenue during the quarter, with domestic passenger services accounting for more than half (MVR 345.26 million). Regional flights contributed MVR 110.72 million, while seaplane opera

Maldivian, the national airline of the Maldives, and Air India, the national airline of India, have entered into a bilateral agreement aimed at enhancing connectivity between the two countries and improving passenger movement across regional and domestic networks. Under the agreement, Maldivian will gain access to Air India’s extensive worldwide network, enabling more passengers to connect seamlessly to flights serving 16 islands beyond Male’. The partnership also allows Mald

Maldivian has announced an invitation for Expressions of Interest (EOI) to finance lease two ATR 42-600 aircraft. The move is part of the airline’s ongoing fleet renewal program, which is gradually replacing its Dash 8 fleet with ATR turboprops. The national carrier currently operates a mixed ATR fleet consisting of two ATR 72-600s and three ATR 42-600s. These aircraft were introduced beginning in 2023 as part of a phased transition away from the Dash 8 series, which had form

Maldivian’s Emergency Air Ambulance Service has reported completing 1,562 flights and transporting 1,800 patients since its launch, reflecting the growing role of the program in providing urgent medical care across the island nation. Established as a key initiative under President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration, the air ambulance program was designed to enhance emergency medical care accessibility throughout the Maldives. Operated in collaboration between Maldivian Airli

Island Aviation Services Ltd (IASL), the operator of national carrier Maldivian, has announced a trio of international Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for the appointment of General Cargo Sales Agents (GSAs) in Melbourne Australia, Moscow Russia , and Incheon South Korea. The coordinated call for representation in these key markets signals Maldivian’s intent to expand its global presence. The EOIs, published via the Maldives Government Gazette and official airline channels, i

Island Aviation Services Ltd (IASL), the operator of Maldivian, has issued a call for expressions of interest (EOI) to appoint a General Passenger Sales Agent (GSA) in Bangladesh. The move suggests the airline may be preparing to resume scheduled services to the country. The EOI invitation is open to qualified entities capable of representing Maldivian’s commercial interests in Bangladesh. Interested parties must submit their application via email by 23:59 hrs Maldives local

Island Aviation Services Ltd (IASL), the operator of Maldivian, has acquired a 12,481-square-foot plot in Hulhumale’ for MVR 49,428,482, according to recent court records. The property, identified as Lot No. 11725, is located near Central Park in Phase I and was purchased from the Housing Development Corporation (HDC). The Civil Court formally recognized IASL as the new owner earlier this week. The purchase comes as IASL continues to face financial pressure, having reported n