Manta Air, a Maldives-based airline, has announced that it is starting direct flights to India.

Making the announcement at an event in Bengaluru, the airline says its move is aimed at redefining air travel between India and the Maldives 

The airline will operate direct flights to Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport from the Maldives’ Dhaalu Airport, allowing Indian visitors to avoid the hassles and additional expense of transiting through the main Velana International Airport at Male, and gaining direct access to many luxury resorts located in Dhaalu atoll.

Manta Air is the Maldives’ leading seaplane and domestic airline operator.

It says that  by flying directly to Dhaalu airport, customers going to resorts located in that Atoll are able to save on the usual transit time and additional transfer costs incurred when entering Maldives through the traditional Male’ airport route. 

Manta Air will provide easy immigration processes exclusively for its guests at Dhaalu Airport, enabling quick transfers.  Dhaalu Atoll is host to some of the country’s best resorts, including Kandima Maldives, Niyama Private Islands, St Regis Maldives, Riu, Baglioni, Angsana Velavaru, and Sun Siyam Iru Veli.

It adds that flight schedules have been designed to allow guests to maximise their stay duration in the Maldives, with all flights arriving in the Maldives in the mornings and departing late in the evenings for India.

Ahmed Maumoon

“This announcement marks a pivotal moment in our company’s trajectory – we are progressing from being the leading domestic and seaplane carrier in the Maldives to an international airline operator. With Manta Air’s expansion through a new direct flight route from India to the Maldives we anticipate a surge in travel interest and bookings from Indian tourists. This strategic move aims to enhance the guest experience and boost bookings for resorts in Dhaalu atoll, particularly Kandima, RIU Hotel, and Niyama Private Islands, which are all located in close proximity to the airport. By facilitating easier and more affordable travel access to the Maldives, we foresee a substantial increase in travel demand from Bengaluru and across India in 2024 and beyond,” says Ahmed Maumoon, Deputy CEO of Manta Air. 

The airline adds that this strategic initiative signifies a major milestone for the homegrown Maldives’ airline and recognises India as a pivotal source market for the Maldives. Manta Air, in collaboration with premium partner resorts, will curate combined exclusive packages for the respective properties that are conveniently connected to the Dhaalu Airport.