Maldivian airline credits Kerala’s public health system for its success

Kerala and its robust public health system have a big stake in the success of Maldivian, the national airline of the Maldives, which is celebrating 18 years of operations to India, significantly to Kerala.

The airline began its journey with a 50-seat aircraft in 2008, which later transitioned into the Airbus A320 aircraft series in late 2012. Now, it has a fleet of 26 aircraft, including an Airbus A330-200, an Airbus A320, five ATR aircraft, eight Dash 8 aircraft, and 11 DHC-6 Twin Otters.

Speaking to The Hindu on the sidelines of an interaction organised as part of its 18 years of operations, Ibrahim Iyas, Managing Director of Maldivian, said that during the initial years of operations, the airline chose Thiruvananthapuram as its main point in South India, as traditionally there has been a strong bond between the Maldives and South India. Further, the Maldivian government provides universal coverage of health services for all its citizens. The speciality of the health insurance cover is that it is not only limited to Maldivian health centres but also available at hospitals in India, especially in South India.

Operational growth

Hospitals in Kerala are highly popular in the Maldives, especially among those who come for long-term treatments like those for cancer. For them, the most sought-after destination is either Thiruvananthapuram or Kochi. This is evident from the operational growth of the airline. The airline, which has been steadily increasing its operational strength, has recently increased its weekly frequency to five flights to Thiruvananthapuram, chiefly on an A320. During the peak season, the airline is also operating its Airbus A330 aircraft as it has emerged as a successful route, said Mohamed Saffah, General Manager Commercial.

Based on this success, the airline has started a new route to Kochi, providing five weekly flights. It is also operating two weekly Hanimaadhoo–Thiruvananthapuram services. Mr. Iyas said that the airline is on a 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 sizeable number of Indian nationals working in sectors such as the construction and tourism industries, and doctors and teachers, has contributed to the airline’s growth and success,” said Ahmed Shafeeu, Chairman, Island Aviation Services Limited Board and Minister of State for Higher Education.

Flight frequency:

Malé–Thiruvananthapuram: five times weekly (Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat) Malé–Kochi: five times weekly (Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat) Hanimaadhoo–Thiruvananthapuram: two times weekly (Mon, Fri) Operations Timeline: 2008: Malé–Thiruvananthapuram flight launched 2012: Expansion to Chennai and Mumbai 2013: Hanimaadhoo–Thiruvananthapuram connectivity introduced 2023: Malé–Bangalore added 2019: Malé–Kochi launched Passenger arrivals from India: 2025: 189,929 2024: 130,805