Private airline Manta Air has signed an agreement with Sri Lankan Airlines to connect southern atolls of the Maldives and Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Speaking at a ceremony held Wednesday to sign the agreement, Manta Air's CEO Mohamed Khaleel said flights would initially operate between Gan island of southernmost Addu City and Kooddoo. Khaleel said the Saturday flight between Male' and Gan would make a stop at Kooddoo.
'The more the Sri Lankan Airline flights operate to Addu, the more the flights to Kooddoo would be. This will directly connect Colombo to the north,' he said.
Khaleel said efforts are also underway to connect airports in Huvadu Atoll to Gan island. Discussions are ongoing to commence international flights to Dh. Kudahuvadhoo Airport, he said, adding that the airline is also entertaining the idea of starting flights to F. atoll.
Sri Lankan Airline's Regional Manager Jayantha Abeysingh said since the airline commenced flights to Addu City, they had been hoping for an opportunity to link Colombo to the north. He said the hope had come to fruition today and that daily flights to Addu would be arranged soon.
Manta Air will be commencing operation to Addu City on Thursday. The airline said a Comfort Class ticket to Addu would cost MVR 1250, while a Sapphire Class ticket would cost MVR 1850.
