Maldivian Airlines plane
Kerala and its robust public healthcare system have been instrumental in the success of Maldivian, the national airline of the Maldives, which is celebrating 18 years of operations in India, notably in Kerala.
The airline started its journey with a 50-seat aircraft in 2008, which later transitioned to the Airbus A320 range in late 2012. It now has a fleet of 26 aircraft, including Airbus A330-200, Airbus A320, five ATR aircraft, eight Dash 8 aircraft and 11 DHC-6 Otters.
Ibrahim Iyas, Managing Director of Maldivian, speaking to The Hindu on the sidelines of an interaction organized as part of its 18 years of operations, said that during the initial years of operations, the airline chose Thiruvananthapuram as its hub in South India as there is traditionally a strong bond between the Maldives and South India. Furthermore, the Maldivian government provides universal health service coverage for all its citizens. The specialty of the health insurance is that it is not only limited to Maldivian health centers but is also available in hospitals in India, especially in South India.
Operational growth
Hospitals in Kerala are very popular in the Maldives, especially among those who come for long-term treatment such as cancer treatment. For them, the most sought after destination is either Thiruvananthapuram or Kochi. This is evident from the airline’s operational growth. The airline, which has been steadily increasing its operational strength, recently increased its weekly frequency to five flights to Thiruvananthapuram, mostly on A320s. During the peak season, the airline also operates its Airbus A330 aircraft as it has proven to be a successful route, said Mohamed Saffah, chief commercial officer.
Building on this success, the airline launched a new route to Kochi, providing five flights a week. It also operates two weekly Hanimaadhoo-Thiruvananthapuram services. Mr. Iyas said the airline is in mission mode to expand its presence in India and its immediate plan is to add two more cities to its operational map.
“Medical tourism in Kerala, along with a significant number of Indian nationals working in sectors such as construction and tourism, and doctors and teachers, has contributed to the growth and success of the airline,” said Ahmed Shafeeu, Chairman of Island Aviation Services Limited and Minister for Higher Education.
Flight frequency:
Malé–Thiruvananthapuram: Five times a week (Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat) Malé–Kochi: Five times a week (Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat) Hanimaadhoo–Thiruvananthapuram: Twice a week (Mon, Fri) Hours of operation started: 2008: Expanhapura Malé–100 years Chennai and Mumbai 2013: Launch of Hanimaadhoo–Thiruvananthapuram connection 2023: Added Malé–Bangalore 2019: Malé–Kochi launched Passenger arrivals from India: 2025: 189,929 2024: 130,805
Published – 29 March 2026 21:07 IST
