SriLankan Airlines announced a partnership with Manta Air on Wednesday (23 February) to offer connectivity options for the south of the Maldives.
Starting in late March, tourists and locals who fly on SriLankan to the Gan International Airport in Addu City – the southernmost atoll in the archipelago – will be able to travel to Kooddoo in the neighbouring Gaaf Alif Atoll via the domestic carrier.
Passengers on SriLankan’s direct flight from Colombo to Gan can take the connecting flight on Manta after a short transit time, according to the airlines.
The frequency of flights will increase to thrice a week in the future, Jayantha Abeysinghe, SriLankan Airlines’ regional manager for Sri Lanka and the Indian Ocean, said at a press briefing in Malé. The lack of connectivity has been the main obstacle to developing tourism in the southern atolls, Manta Air CEO Mohamed Khaleel observed.
Manta launched commercial operations to Addu City today with daily flights between Malé and Gan.
The only domestic airline that offers two cabin classes (Comfort and Sapphire Class), Manta uses ATR 72-600 type aircraft for the non-stop direct flights to Addu City. Fares start from MVR1,450 (US$94).
