Flagship carrier Maldivian commenced six weekly flights between Huvadhoo and Gan, Addu City in December 2019. Whilst. SriLankan Airlines been the sole international carrier operating three weekly flights to Gan, how will a collaboration of both the carriers benefit and enhance tourism in the Southern Maldives?

PUBLISHED February 10, 2020

Abdul Latheef
President
SME & Entrepreneurs Federation of Maldives (SEFM)
Tourism has expanded with the improvement of transportation. Travel by air been the most popular mode of tourist transport - it also enables achieving development and economic growth. SriLankan Airlines and Maldivian is a very good combination to work together to develop tourism in the Southern Region of Maldives. They can definitely create a win-win situation!
Synergies would always bring additional benefits to the customers as well as the businesses involved. However, careful planning and use of a combined SWOT analysis to create a strategy is the key. I believe a collaboration between SriLankan and Maldivian would definitely enhance the customer experience if the sales, operation and scheduling is seamlessly integrated taking advantage of the strengths of each party.
I believe that, if Maldivian could provide efficient domestic transport for each international arrival and departure of SriLankan Airlines - it could work perfectly. Maldivian could manage all domestic logistics. This should include both local islands and resorts in that area to have good numbers.
A collaboration or codeshare would definitely have a positive impact on Huvadhoo atoll’s tourism, as tourists flying from Colombo would be able to travel to the hotels in Dhaalu atoll conveniently. That being said, I would also like to see Maldivian operating flights from Colombo to Gan-Dhaalu Airport , so that tourists can experience true Maldivian hospitality throughout their journey
As at now, with the days and times of operation of Maldivian flights between Huvadhoo and Gan, Addu City, there’s no advantage for both the airlines in terms of the passengers arriving with SriLankan Airlines to connect to Huvadhoo. We have been constantly monitoring this and look forward for Maldivian to change the times of flights, so there’s a better connecting time to help passengers visit Huvadhoo.