Manta Air (NR, Malé) has decided to retain operations to two atolls in the country but will use smaller seaplanes instead of larger fixed-gear aircraft effective April 1.
The airline said in a statement that in the interests of maintaining vital transport corridors throughout the Maldives during this trying time, it will use its DHC-6 amphibians to operate seaplane services from Malé to Baa Atoll, normally served by Dharavandhoo Island, and to Dhaalu Atoll, normally served by Kudahuvadhoo.
Manta Air suspended all flight operations on March 16 and will not be resuming flights to Kooddoo by any means for the time being. According to the ch-aviation fleets module, the airline operates three ATR72-600s, one DHC-6-200, and five -300s. All ATR - Avions de Transport Régional operations have been suspended for the time being.
