A new chapter in aviation connectivity unfolded as the national airline, Maldivian, welcomed the arrival of its fifth ATR aircraft at Velana International Airport (VIA) on Saturday at 4:30 PM. The aircraft, a 46-seat ATR 42-600 model, was received with a ceremonial water salute after a low-pass over the runway, marking another milestone in the airline’s strategic fleet modernization efforts.
The official welcome ceremony held at VIA was attended by Minister of Tourism and Environment, Honourable Thoriq Ibrahim; Managing Director of Maldivian, Mr. Ibrahim Iyas; Chief Pilot for ATR and Dash-8, Captain Abdulla Nafiz; and senior officials from Island Aviation Services Limited (IAS), Maldivian’s operator, alongside representatives from Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) and Maldives Immigration.
The addition of this aircraft forms part of Maldivian’s ongoing plan to renew and enhance its domestic fleet to meet growing demand for inter-island travel and support the country’s tourism development goals. Over the past two years, the airline has already inducted four brand-new ATRs, three in 2023 and one more in 2024, bringing the current ATR count to five. This investment supports improved connectivity to outer atolls and increases scheduling reliability for both local and international travelers.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Thoriq Ibrahim highlighted the government’s commitment to modernising the national airline as part of a broader strategy to elevate Maldives’ tourism and aviation sectors. He reiterated ongoing efforts to introduce long-haul international flights in the near future and noted the importance of aviation infrastructure in achieving the government’s target of welcoming 2.3 million tourists in 2025.
“Maldivian currently operates direct flights to three regions across the Maldives. We are working closely with the airline to expand routes to key destinations, including in Europe. Sustained collaboration and investments like these will drive us closer to our tourism goals,” said the Minister.
Maldivian Managing Director, Ibrahim Iyas, underscored the operational and service advantages brought by the new aircraft. “This ATR 42-600 comes with state-of-the-art cabin features that will enhance passenger comfort and boost our on-time performance. It also increases our technical reliability, allowing us to deliver consistent, quality service across our domestic network,” Iyas said.
Captain Abdulla Nafiz, Maldivian’s Chief Pilot for ATR and Dash-8 aircraft, expressed pride in the airline’s progress. “This aircraft strengthens our operational capabilities and reflects the team’s collective effort to raise aviation standards in the Maldives,” he told PSM News.
With this new addition, Maldivian’s fleet now comprises 26 aircraft, including:
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5 ATR aircraft (ATR 42-600 series)
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1 Airbus A330 (wide-body, for long-haul potential)
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1 Airbus A320 (narrow-body)
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8 Bombardier Dash-8 aircraft
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11 De Havilland Twin Otter seaplanes
The airline plans to further grow its domestic fleet to eight ATR aircraft, with three more expected in the coming months. This expansion is expected to cost a total of approximately USD 140 million (MVR 2.2 billion), with USD 70 million (MVR 1.1 billion) already invested in the project to date.
In parallel with its fleet upgrade, Maldivian has introduced premium economy class and onboard retail services, reflecting a shift toward more customer-centric services that align with international aviation standards.
These efforts are closely tied to President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration pledges to enhance national connectivity, diversify the tourism market, and reinforce Maldives’ position as a top-tier travel destination. As the aviation sector continues to evolve, the expansion of Maldivian’s fleet will play a pivotal role in strengthening accessibility, reducing travel bottlenecks across the atolls, and ensuring seamless travel experiences for both domestic passengers and international tourists.
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