Maldivian to Launch New Southern Twin Otter DHC‑6 Wheel‑Based Flights in February

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 quicker and more convenient option for inter‑island movement.

Maldivian has announced the following local fares for the new services:

• Gan – Fuvahmulah: MVR 500

• Fuvahmulah – Kaadedhdhoo: MVR 650

• Fuvahmulah – Kooddoo: MVR 650

• Gan – Kaadedhdhdoo: MVR 900

• Gan – Kooddoo : MVR 900

For this new service, Maldivian has converted one of its Twin Otters from a seaplane float configuration to a wheel‑based setup, enabling the aircraft to operate from airports in Gan, Fuvahmulah, Kaadedhdhoo, and Kooddoo.

The De Havilland Canada DHC‑6‑300 Twin Otter, a short‑takeoff‑and‑landing aircraft is widely regarded for its reliability and ability to perform from compact regional runways. Its strong performance, quick‑turnaround capability, and suitability for brief inter‑island sectors make it an ideal choice for operations in the southern Maldives.

Although the Twin Otter is widely recognized in the Maldives, it is most commonly seen in its floatplane configuration, serving as the backbone of the country’s seaplane transfer network. Operators use the aircraft to transport tourists between Male’ and resort islands, taking advantage of its ability to land on lagoons and operate multiple short flights per day.

Maldivian’s introduction of wheel‑based Twin Otter services marks a new operational use of the aircraft within the country, extending its role beyond tourism and into scheduled domestic transport for local communities.