Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM) and People’s National Congress (PNC) has expressed concern over the suspended operations of Sri Lankan Airlines to Gan of Addu City.
Direct flights began between Colombo and Gan in 2016 with previous administration. The operation increased connectivity, travel conveniences of the south and also boosted the tourism in the region.
PPM/PNC coalition said that the suspended operation could lead to a negative impact on the tourism and economy, and cause difficulties to the residents of the south in travelling overseas. This means that residents of the south would have to travel to the Velana International Airport in the central region of Maldives in order to travel to Colombo, Sri Lanka.
According to the statement by the opposition coalition, the discussion on ceasing the operations due to losses incurred was halted when the then President Yameen pledged to make arrangements for the airline operations to continue without incurring losses.
The reservation agent for Sri Lankan Airlines, Inner Maldives confirmed the cease in operations between Gan and Colombo.
Mohamed Firaq, Managing Director of Inner Maldives said in a Facebook post today, that even if the borders reopen, no decision has been made so far about the recommencement of flight operations between Gan and Colombo.
“The reason for this is there aren’t enough passengers to Addu only. This is based on the experience and losses of past three years”, he said.
However, Firaq said that it is possible to recommence operations if a connection between Huvadhu Atoll and Addu City is established. Firaq also said that he believes that once the COVID-19 pandemic is over, international operations of the national flag carrier may also commence from Addu City.
Huvadhoo Atoll is biggest atoll in the archipelago geographically and one of biggest population with two domestic airports on both sides of the atoll. A third airport is expected to be open very soon. There have been talks that the airport in Kaadedhdhoo could also be turned into an international airport. Currently, the airport in Gan is the only international airport in the south of the Maldives
