An MNDF Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was deployed over Male’ yesterday as fishermen staged a protest near the capital’s harbor. The drone remained airborne for nearly seven hours before returning to its base in Maafaru. The protest, organized by the Bodu Kanneli Masveringe Union (BKMU), began yesterday and is continuing today, with fishing vessels gathered off Male’s No. 1 Jetty. Fishermen are demanding the government deliver on pledges related to the purchase

China Eastern Airlines has commenced operations from Terminal 1 at Velana International Airport, joining the growing number of carriers shifting to the newly opened facility. The arrival was marked with a ceremonial water salute, a tradition to honor new airline operations. The flight was received by distinguished guests including the Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives, His Excellency Mr. Kong Xianhua, Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) Chief Executive Officer and Manag

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

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates and the country’s second-largest carrier, has officially commenced services from the new terminal of Velana International Airport (VIA). The inauguration ceremony, held yesterday at the Maldives’ main airport, was graced by the Minister of Sports, Abdulla Rafiu, alongside senior officials from Etihad Airways in the Maldives, regional executives, and high-ranking representatives from Maldives Airports Company Lim

Manta Air’s newest De Havilland Canada DHC‑6 Twin Otter landed at Velana International Airport this afternoon, marking the latest addition to the airline’s growing seaplane fleet. Photo: Maldivian Plane Spotters The Twin Otter is a proven workhorse in Maldivian aviation, he new aircraft will strengthen Manta Air’s role in connecting Velana International Airport with resorts across the Maldives. Seaplanes remain a vital link for the country’s tourism industry, providing reliab

The Maldives has officially welcomed its two millionth tourist of the year, Ms. Bethany Sarah Kerswell from England, who arrived at Velana International Airport on 27th November 2025. This marks the earliest point in the nation’s history that the milestone has been reached, underscoring the continued strength of the country’s aviation and tourism sectors. China, Russia, the United Kingdom, and Germany remain among the leading source markets, supported by direct services and s

Manta Air has announced that applications are now open for its sponsored Cabin Crew Licensing Course, scheduled to begin in December 2025 at Dhaalu Kudahuvadhoo. The program offers aspiring cabin crew the opportunity to obtain licensing through a five‑week training course. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and hold a GCE O’Level qualification with a minimum of three ‘C’ passes. Additional requirements include the ability to swim un‑aided for at least 50 meters, flue

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

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