Maldives-based Manta Air to connect India to Dhaalu from March 1

Manta Air to launch commercial flights from India to Maldives, aiming to boost tourism with seamless connectivity.

Maldivian airline Manta Air is set to launch its commercial operations into India from March 01. The airline took to international skies on the morning of February 16, for the first time since it commenced commercial operations in 2019, with a non-commercial flight from Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport to Dhaalu Airport in Maldives. The flight was welcomed with the sound of BoduBeru, the heart of traditional Maldivian music.

This comes at a time when the Maldives is walking a diplomatic tightrope with India. However, according to Mohamed Khaleel, the chief executive officer of the airline and Dhaalu Airport, it was just a blip and there is no real effect on the arrival numbers.”

There was no challenges in terms of documentation and business, Ahmed Maumoon, the airline’s deputy CEO seconded. However, he expressed challenges in terms of pushing the market amid the ongoing tension.

With this 3.5 hours long flight, the airline aims to offer seamless direct connectivity to Dhaalu Atoll - a part of Maldives that has largely been hidden owing to logistical challenges for tourists. 

Tourists could not travel to this part of Maldives as a transition from Male would add a significant extra cost, travel time which can go up to about a day owing to limited frequency of seaplanes and lack of awareness, Mr. Khaleel explained. With the expansion of Dhaalu Airport and abundance of properties present, the group is looking to attract more tourists here.

The airline has already opened bookings on its website for its first commercial flight on March 01. “We have already received 20 bookings and expect more in the coming days,” Mr Maumoon said.

While Bengaluru marks Manta’s first international destination and first destination in India, in which it will fly on its 64-seater ATR 72-600 aircraft with dual configuration - about 16 premium or Sapphire class seats and others economy, that is not all.