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

Villa Air has added a second DHC-6 Twin Otter seaplane to its operational fleet, the aircraft, registered 8Q-VAC, joins the first Twin Otter, 8Q-VAB which launched the airline’s seaplane service to Villa Park Sun Island Resort last week. Photo: Dave Jamnasteen Villa Air’s return to seaplane operations marks a strategic shift from its previous focus on land based domestic routes using ATR aircraft. The airline had briefly operated a Cessna 208 Caravan seaplane in the early 20

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu officially inaugurated the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Gan Air Corps Station, marking a strategic expansion of the country’s aerial defense infrastructure in the southern region. photo: Vaguthu It’s the first of its kind in the south and is expected to enhance MNDF’s operational reach across the archipelago, particularly in surveillance, reconnaissance. It complements the existing drone command center in Maafaru, where the Maldives fi

Zenith Aviation Academy (ZAA) has officially obtained Maldives Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Approved Training Organization (ATO) status to conduct Part-FCL pilot training, establishing itself as the newest certified flight training provider in the country. This milestone marks a significant evolution in Addu City’s aviation education landscape, which has undergone several transitions over the past decade. Flight training in Addu began with the Asian Academy of Aeronautics (

Manta Air has been awarded as the Best Seaplane Company – Indian Ocean Islands at the 2025 World Luxury Travel Awards. The award highlights Manta Air’s role in providing scheduled seaplane services across the Maldives, connecting passengers to resort destinations with consistent operational standards. Since launching its seaplane services, Manta Air has rapidly expanded its network across the Maldives, becoming a key operator in resort connectivity and contributing to the gro

Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has signed two agreements to develop a City Hotel, Eco-Tourism Project, and a Sports Complex in Fuvahmulah City. The first agreement, signed with the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, outlines the development of a City Hotel and Eco-Tourism Project aimed at enhancing Fuvahmulah’s appeal as a southern tourism hub. The signing took place during President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s official visit to the city and was formalized by Ibrahim Sha

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

Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has officially welcomed Edelweiss Air, a Swiss leisure airline based in Zurich, as the 22nd international carrier to operate from Terminal 1 at Velana International Airport (VIA). The airline’s arrival was marked with a ceremonial water salute, celebrating its transition to the newly inaugurated terminal. Edelweiss Air, a member of the Lufthansa Group, operates seasonal long-haul services connecting Zurich with leisure destinations, in

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

Villa Air has officially commenced operations with its newly acquired DHC-6 Twin Otter seaplane fleet, marking its reentry into the seaplane market. The inaugural flight to Sun Island signals a new chapter for the airline, which has traditionally focused on domestic routes using ATR aircraft. Photo: Inaan Prior to launch, the Twin Otter aircraft were stationed at Maamigili, Villa Air’s operational base where the fleet underwent configuration and readiness checks for seaplane

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

Minister of Homeland Security and Technology, Ali Ihusaan, confirmed via a post on X that police have recovered the speedboat used in the Velana International Airport robbery and arrested four suspects linked to the incident. The robbery occurred around 4:45 a.m. when two employees of Bank of Maldives (BML) were transporting a briefcase containing cash between the old and new terminals of the airport. Masked individuals intercepted the staff and seized the briefcase before fl

A robbery involving masked individuals occurred at Velana International Airport (VIA) targeting staff from the Bank of Maldives (BML) during a routine cash transfer. The suspects fled the scene using a speedboat, prompting a police investigation into what is believed to be a premeditated crime. According to police reports, the incident took place around 4:45 a.m. as two BML employees were transporting a briefcase containing cash between the old and new terminals of the airpo

Mohamed Riyaz, has been removed from the board of Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), following a decision by the Privatisation and Corporatisation Board (PCB). The removal coincided with an expansion of the MACL board from seven to nine members. While no official explanation was provided, Riyaz’s departure comes amid growing internal debate over MACL’s involvement in government-led development projects. Riyaz had reportedly opposed the company’s participation in initi

The Maldives is set to implement a major regulatory shift in its aviation sector, reserving key air transport sales agency roles exclusively for companies that are 100% Maldivian-owned. The announcement was made by Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Captain Mohamed Ameen, who confirmed that the Civil Aviation Authority will soon gazette the new regulation under the directive of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. The reform will apply to General Sales Agents (GSAs), Passenger

Velana International Airport (VIA) has officially welcomed Saudia, the national airline of Saudi Arabia, as the 11th carrier to commence operations from its newly inaugurated Terminal 1. Velana International Airport’s Terminal 1 was inaugurated on July 26, 2025, and has since welcomed Saudia as its 11th operating airline, joining a growing roster of regional and international carriers. Terminal 1 was officially inaugurated on July 26, 2025, coinciding with the Maldives’ 60th

Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has issued an annual bonus of MVR 25,000 to its employees. Staff who completed at least six...

Maldivian will commence daily flights to Muli, Meemu Atoll starting 26 October 2025, with one way fares from MVR 999. The new service...

Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has officially taken over the development and future operation of Nilandhoo Airport, with a...

Velana International Airport (VIA) inaugurated new Koveli Lounge at Terminal 1. The ceremony was led by Minister of Economic Development...