Maldivian, the national airline of the Maldives, has resumed scheduled flights to Kooddoo Airport following recent runway renovations. The route, connecting Gaafu Alif Atoll with the capital, had been temporarily suspended since early September due to the airport’s delayed infrastructure upgrades.
The runway’s condition had previously led to damage to two Maldivian aircraft serving this route, resulting in their grounding. Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, Mohamed Ameen, highlighted these challenges and noted ongoing collaborative efforts between the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), air operators, and relevant authorities to address infrastructure concerns and support sustainable flight operations to regional airports.
With the completion of the runway renovations, Maldivian will now operate two scheduled flights daily to Kooddoo Airport. Originally inaugurated in 2012, the airport had undergone prior upgrades in 2017 to accommodate larger aircraft, marking this as its latest enhancement aimed at improving regional connectivity and safety.
The resumption of flights is expected to provide a boost for travellers and residents in Gaafu Alif Atoll, ensuring more reliable and consistent air travel options to and from Kooddoo.