Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen has announced that the introduction of seaplane services across the southern atolls will significantly strengthen air connectivity, support the expansion of local tourism, and stimulate broader economic activity throughout the region. Speaking at the launching ceremony of the “Southern Connection” project, which is designed to link the southern atolls through enhanced air services, the Minister stated that the initiative fulfils a key commitment made by President Mohamed Muizzu during his recent visits to the atolls, reflecting the government’s emphasis on inclusive national development and balanced regional progress. He underscored that the project represents a strategic step toward ensuring that communities in the south benefit directly from national infrastructure investments and emerging economic opportunities.
Minister Ameen highlighted that Gan International Airport possesses the technical capability to accommodate aircraft of all sizes and types operated by international commercial airlines. Despite this capacity, limited airline operations have constrained the airport from achieving its full potential. The government, he explained, is determined to position Gan International Airport as the primary air connectivity hub of the southern region, enabling more efficient links between local islands, resorts, and international markets. By strengthening the airport’s role, the authorities aim to establish a robust gateway that enhances accessibility while improving the overall competitiveness of the southern atolls as a tourism and investment destination.
To advance this objective, the Minister confirmed that discussions are underway with a Middle Eastern airline and a Chinese airline regarding the commencement of regular international flights to Gan. He noted that the government is prepared to offer significant concessions, if necessary, to attract carriers and support the sustainability of their operations. Such measures are intended to reshape the current operating environment and create a commercially viable platform for long-term international services, reinforcing investor confidence and providing consistent connectivity for passengers and cargo.
Minister Ameen further emphasised that the President’s directive extends beyond airport infrastructure alone and encompasses the development of an integrated civil transport system that delivers tangible benefits to the public. Improved air links, particularly through the seaplane network, are expected to accelerate development across the southern atolls by providing faster, more reliable, and more frequent connections between islands, resorts, and international entry points. This integrated approach is designed to enhance mobility for residents, strengthen logistics chains, and support tourism growth in a sustainable and coordinated manner.
The planned seaplane network is anticipated to play a transformative role in the regional economy and the visitor experience, enabling seamless access to approximately 3,900 tourist beds across the southern region. Enhanced connectivity will simplify travel for international and domestic visitors, support higher resort occupancy levels, encourage longer stays, and expand opportunities for community-based tourism and local enterprise participation. Minister Ameen added that if demand increases, the Ministry stands ready to deploy additional aircraft and raise flight frequencies to ensure service reliability and maintain high operational standards.
Looking ahead, further expansion is planned through the integration of Faresmathoda Airport and Maavarulu Airport in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll into the seaplane network. These developments form part of a comprehensive strategy to establish a resilient and future-ready aviation framework in the south, reinforcing the Maldives’ standing as a well-connected island nation while opening new avenues for sustainable tourism and long-term economic growth for global and local stakeholders alike.
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