Manta Air (NR, Malé) is reportedly eyeing international flights to near neighbours Sri Lanka and India in 2023. The airline's chief executive, Ahmed Maumoon, says plans are afoot to start flights from the Maldives to Colombo International in Sri Lanka as well as to Bengaluru International, Thiruvananthapuram, and Kochi International using ATR72-600s.

Maumoon told the ooredoo news portal that Manta Air is seeking the necessary approvals and wanted to start the flights sometime next year. ch-aviation has contacted Manta Air for further details but no spokesperson was available for comment before publication.

According to the ch-aviation PRO airlines module, Manta Air flies to three destinations (Dharavandhoo Island, Kudahuvadhoo, and Gan Island) in the Maldives from their Malé base. The airline operates three ATR72s, nine DHC-6-300s, two DHC-6-200s, and one recently arrived Beech 1900D.

Earlier this month, Manta Air began scheduled charter flights to Hoarafushi using the Beech under an agreement with JA Manafaru, a resort located on Haa Alif atoll. The airline has expressed interest in acquiring more Beechs should the first perform well, however, Manta Air also has a further four DHC-6-300s due.