Villa Air Positions Seaplane Twin Otter at Velana Airport Ahead of Seaplane Launch

Villa Air is preparing to reenter the Maldives’ seaplane market with the deployment of its newly acquired DHC-6 Twin Otter fleet. The aircraft had previously been stationed at Maamigili, the airline’s operational base, where Villa Air has been configuring its fleet for to launch seaplane service.

The move represents a strategic shift for Villa Air, which has primarily operated ATR aircraft on domestic routes. Seaplanes play a vital role in the Maldives’ tourism infrastructure. Their ability to land directly at resort lagoons streamlines the transfer experience, eliminating the need for additional transport and enhancing the overall journey for travelers.

This direct access, combined with scenic low-altitude flights, has made seaplanes the preferred mode of transport for travelers. Operators such as Trans Maldivian Airways and Manta Air have built extensive networks around this model, reporting strong load factors and profitability.

The airline has not yet announced a formal start date for commercial operations, but the presence of its Twin Otter fleet at Velana signals that launch preparations are nearing completion.