Flyme Commences International Operations — Inaugural Flight to Sri Lanka Takes Off

Currently, the privately-owned airline operates flights in the Maldives to several domestic destinations. These destinations include Dharavandhoo in Baa Atoll, Villa Airport Maamigili in Alifu Dhaalu Atoll, and the main Velana International Airport in Capital Male’ Atoll. Flyme commenced its operations back in October 2011 with one ATR 42-500. The company initially operated between Maamigili and Male’ Airport.

Flyme received Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) to commence international operations late Thursday. With its inaugural flight from Velana Interntaional Airport to Sri Lanka today. The privately-owned airline is set to operate flights between Sri Lanka and the Maldives. However, Flyme will expand its operations with multiple destinations in Asia in the future.

The longest ATR operating airline in Maldives provides a unique travel experience for travelers. Flyme is owned and operated by VillaAir – a part of the Villa Group of companies. Villa Maamigili airport features a passenger lounge that can cater up to 120 travelers. Likewise, its capacity has been increased by 200% compared to 2013.

The Villa Group also manages five resorts in the Maldives under Villa Hotels. The five resorts include; Paradise Island Resort, Sun Island Resort & Spa, Holiday Island Resort & Spa, Royal Island Resort, and Fun Island Resort. Each of these properties offers unique accommodation options and unparalleled levels of service. Each resort offers distinctive experiences for travelers from a family-friendly experience at Fun Island Resort to a romantic experience at Paradise Island Resort.

The Airline industry has been massively struck by the recent COVID-19 pandemic. According to a report by Moody’s, commercial aviation will be ravaged by the pandemic for years to come. The Maldives has started welcoming international visitors with border reopening from 15th July 2020. The latest figures from Maldives Immigration indicates a total of 7,628 tourists arrived in the Maldives in the month of August 2020. Airline operations between nations to bring more visitors to the Maldives holds importance for the country to recover from losses of COVID-19.

Feature image by MVHOTELS

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 International Operations — Inaugural Flight to Sri Lanka Takes Off

Feature image by MVHOTELS

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