Manta Air is set to go international with flights to India scheduled to begin in January 2024. Flights will be operated from Dhaalu Airport in Kudahuvadhoo Island of Dhaalu Atoll, to Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru. Flights will transit via Velana International Airport (VIA).
According to Manta Air, the launch of direct flights between Dhaalu atoll and India will bring many benefits to the region and its resorts. Dhaalu Airport functions as Manta Air’s main hub.
The airline currently plans to operate three weekly flights between Dhaalu Airport and Kempegowda International Airport. Departures from Dhaalu Airport to Kempegowda International Airport will be scheduled for the evenings, with departures from Kempegowda International Airport to Dhaalu Airport scheduled for the mornings.
Manta Air, a local airline which was launched on 22 November 2018, officially began operating flights on 24 February 2019. Manta Air also offers seaplane services.
India has been the Maldives’ second largest tourist market this year so far. According to the government statistics, 181,860 tourists Indian tourists have visited the Maldives as of November.