Discover Addu
In a major boost for tourism in the southern Maldives, Maldivian, the national airline of the Maldives, has announced the launch of a new domestic flight network from Gan International Airport (GAN) using wheel-based DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft. This development marks an important step in making the far south more accessible, better connected, and increasingly attractive to both local and international travellers.
Scheduled to commence operations on 1 February 2026, the new network will directly link Addu City (GAN) with Fuvahmulah City, Gaafu Alifu Atoll (Kooddoo), and Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll (Kaadedhdhoo) — creating a convenient air bridge across the southernmost atolls of the country.
Easier Island-Hopping in the Deep South
For years, travel between the southern atolls often involved long sea journeys or indirect connections via Malé. With the introduction of these wheel-based Twin Otter flights, visitors arriving in Addu can now explore the south with far greater ease, comfort, and flexibility.
The new service offers:
- Quick and comfortable transfers between key southern destinations
- Reliable schedules that are less affected by sea conditions
- Seamless island-hopping opportunities for travellers exploring beyond a single destination
- Improved access to unique experiences in Fuvahmulah and the Gaafu atolls
Whether it’s diving with tiger sharks in Fuvahmulah, encountering manta rays or enjoying the relaxed charm and heritage of Addu, or walking along the pristine beaches and exploring the reefs of Huvadhoo Atoll, travellers can now move between islands in a matter of minutes rather than hours.
Twin Otter: Designed for Island Adventures
The DHC-6 Twin Otter, a Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) aircraft seating around 15 passengers, is ideally suited to the Maldives’ island geography. In its wheel-based configuration, the aircraft can operate from standard runways at regional airports, offering operational flexibility while preserving the scenic flying experience the Maldives is known for.
For tourists, these short flights are not merely transfers — they become part of the journey itself, offering breathtaking aerial views of atolls, lagoons, and coral reefs unique to the southern Maldives.
Gan as the Southern Travel Hub
With Gan International Airport positioned at the centre of this new domestic network, Addu further strengthens its role as the gateway to the southern Maldives. The enhanced connectivity supports resort tourism, guesthouses, liveaboards, and local businesses, while encouraging visitors to extend their stay and explore multiple destinations within the region.
In addition to the existing international connectivity provided by SriLankan Airlines — currently the only international carrier serving Gan — this improved domestic network opens new opportunities for other international airlines to consider Gan as a direct access point to the southern Maldives.
This development also aligns with national efforts to diversify tourism beyond Malé, promoting balanced growth while highlighting the distinct character, culture, and natural beauty of the southern atolls.
A New Chapter for Southern Tourism
The launch of Maldivian’s wheel-based Twin Otter operations represents more than an improvement in transport — it signals a new chapter for tourism in the south. By making travel easier, faster, and more reliable, the service unlocks fresh possibilities for exploration, cultural exchange, and sustainable tourism development across the southern Maldives.
For travellers seeking authentic experiences, uncrowded destinations, and seamless connections, the southern atolls have never been closer.
Booking https://maldivian.aero/