Island Aviation Services (IAS) on Sunday said the commencement of the Maldives' flag carrier Maldivian flights to Colombo would prove hugely beneficial to locals.
IAS managing director Abdul Haaris said efforts are underway to operate flights to Ratmalana International Airport with the cooperation of Sri Lankan government.
"After launching flights to Colombo's Ratmalana Airport, we would be able to provide a wide range of services to all Maldivians. These services will be provided with the involvement of Maldivians." said Haaris.
He added that Ratmalana Airport is Sri Lanka's first international airport and that arrangements are being made to commence Maldivian's flights to the airport.
"Ratmalana Airport is resuming international operations after a period of 50 years and therefore a lot of work needs to be done, which the Sri Lankan government is currently working on." said Haaris.
Haaris states that commencing these flights will be most beneficial to locals as Ratmalana Airport is situated in Colombo city in contrast to Bandaranaike International Airport, which is located 22 miles outside the city. He said that the reduction in travel time will benefit passengers travelling to Sri Lanka to seek medical care, while a new connection is an added benefit to Maldivians.
The national carrier received permission to launch flights to the Ratmalana Airport or Colombo Airport as a result of discussion between the tourism minister Moosa Zameer and Sri Lanka’s transport and civil aviation minister Nimal Siripala de Silva, during minister's visit to the neighbouring country this month.
Ratmalana Airport is resuming it's international operations after half a century of being shutdown.
