Flyme Commences On-Demand Flights to Dharavandhoo

Villa Air – Flyme, owned by the Villa Group has commenced on-demand flight operations to Baa Atoll Dharavandhoo today, 1st November 2020. The privately-owned airline recently started international operations as well.

Flyme stopped its operations due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. But, the airline has restarted domestic operations on 1st October 2020. Likewise, Flyme celebrated its anniversary this October, marking 9 since the airline took the skies of the Maldives. The Villa Group’s airline first operated flights between Maamigili and Velana International Airport via two ATR 42-500 aircraft.

But the airline has since grown to serve three destinations in the Maldives including; Dharavandhoo in Baa Atoll, Villa Airport Maamigili in Alifu Dhaalu Atoll, and the main Velana International Airport in Capital Male’ Atoll. With the restarting of operations to Dharavandhoo today, Flyme has once again taken its status as serving three destinations in the Maldives.

Baa Atoll features the first UNESCO Biosphere reserve in the Maldives (UNESCO recently declared Addu and Fuvahmulah as a biosphere reserve). The atoll features some of the best resorts in the Maldives and renowned Hanifaru Bay. The protected area is a massive and vital feeding and breeding ground for manta rays and whale sharks. For every visitor to Baa Atoll, visiting the Hanifaru Bay is an experience in itself not-to-miss.

Some of the best-renowned resorts in Baa Atoll Includes; Soneva Fushi, Royal Island Resort & Spa, Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas, Seaside Finolhu, and The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo.

Also read: Couple Reveals What it’s Like to Holiday at Paradise Island Resort Right Now

Flyme which boasts a fleet of four aircraft is a part of the Villa Group which also manages the Villa Maamigili Airport. The airline’s fleet consists of 72 seat ATR 72-600, two 68 seat ATR 72-500, and one 48 seat ATR 42-500. Villa Group’s 5 resorts in the Maldives are; Paradise Island Resort & Spa, Sun Island Resort & Spa, Holiday Island Resort & Spa, Royal Island Resort, and Fun Island Resort.

Feature image by Flyme

The Maldives has made a bold and unforgettable statement at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025, capturing the attention and hearts of visitors with a magnetic mix of culture, innovation, and immersive storytelling. Held in Dubai, ATM is the region’s most influential travel and tourism event, and this year, the Maldives came prepared not just to participate, but to lead.

The Maldives’ Impactful Presence at ATM 2025

Reflecting on the success of the event, Minister of Tourism and Environment, Mr. Thoriq Ibrahim, shared his thoughts on what made the Maldives stand truly shine. He emphasized that ATM serves as a key platform for reaching the luxury travel market in the region, and the Maldives fully embraced the opportunity. With 111 tourism establishments and over 200 representatives taking part, the country delivered a unified message: the Maldives is more than just a destination, it is an experience.

According to the Minister, the Maldives’ stand didn’t just appeal visually; it came alive with music, art, and cultural performances that drew consistent crowds throughout the fair. Moreover, live entertainment brought energy to the space, attracting a steady flow of visitors. Maldives resorts and travel businesses engaged meaningfully with partners, and notably, many reported receiving more B2B appointments than they initially expected, signaling a growing demand.

Collaborative Success Behind the Maldives’ Stand

The Minister also highlighted the collaborative effort behind the success, commending both the individual organizations and MMPRC (Visit Maldives) for working together to present a powerful, unified message. In his view, the presence was well-coordinated and reflective of the Maldives’ true identity and allure.

Additionally, he pointed out that the immersive “Maldivian Evening” event, held on the sidelines of ATM, helped amplify this momentum. The cultural spectacle showcased everything from heritage-inspired fashion to traditional storytelling and gastronomy, deepening the emotional connection with the destination.

“This level of engagement gives me great confidence,” the Minister said, expressing optimism that the strong interest generated at ATM will translate into increased arrivals. With 2 million tourist arrivals achieved in 2024, the Maldives now aims for 2.3 million visitors by the end of 2025.

From strategy to storytelling, the Maldives’ presence at ATM 2025 made one thing clear: the island paradise is setting new standards in destination marketing.

This article was based on an interview with the Minister of Tourism and Environment, Mr. Thoriq Ibrahim, by Sukun Play.

Flyme Commences On-Demand Flights to Dharavandhoo

Also read: Couple Reveals What it’s Like to Holiday at Paradise Island Resort Right Now

Feature image by Flyme

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