Flyme recommences domestic operations

Flyme has recommenced domestic operations. The local airline halted domestic operations due to COVID-19 travel restrictions in March.

Villa Air, which owns Flyme said that the airline had recommenced rescheduled operations from Male’ City to Maamigili. 

“Based on tourist arrivals, the frequency will be increased. We are hoping that we can gradually increase frequency.” Said Managing Director of Villa Air Abdulla Nashidh.

He added that scheduled flights will be increased based on bookings. Nashidh also said that the airline had waited to recommence operations after the Maldives reopened its borders on July 15, due to a lack of demand domestically. 

“Most resorts in Ari Atoll (A. Dh. Atoll) have not reopened. Most resorts in Ari Atoll and B. Atoll are to reopen at the end of the year. Based on resort load, the frequency will be increased.” Said Nashidh. 

Villa air utilizes two 48-passenger seat planes and one 72-passenger seat planes in its operations. Nashidh added that it was impossible to conduct operations with just four or five passengers. 

Flyme had been conducting 12 flights to Maamigili and 14 to B. Dharavandhoo before COVID-19 forced to halt operations. Along with charter flights, the airline had been conducting a total of 32 flights per day. 

“Back then on average 1,400-12,000 passengers traveled. Tourist arrivals right now, are not even close to that figure. However, the number is gradually increasing. Based on that flights will increase.” Said Nashidh. 

He said that employees of the company on no-pay leaves would also be brought back to work as operations picked up. Maldives Civil Aviation Authority had granted Villa Air permission to conduct international flights last month.