Bengaluru: Maldivian, the national airline of the Maldives, has highlighted the critical role of Kerala’s healthcare sector in driving its sustained growth in India, as it celebrates 18 years of operations between the two regions.
The airline’s India journey began in 2008 with the launch of its Malé–Thiruvananthapuram route using a 50-seat aircraft. Over the years, operations have expanded significantly, supported by strong passenger demand—particularly for medical travel.
Speaking on the occasion, Ibrahim Iyas, Managing Director of Maldivian, emphasized the deep-rooted connection between the Maldives and South India. He noted that Kerala’s robust and accessible public healthcare system has been a key factor attracting Maldivian travellers to the region.
Healthcare-Driven Travel Demand
The Maldivian government provides universal health coverage for its citizens, which extends beyond domestic facilities to include treatment in Indian hospitals, especially in South India. This has led to a steady flow of medical travellers choosing Kerala for advanced treatment and affordable care.
Cities like Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi have emerged as major hubs for Maldivian passengers seeking healthcare services, reinforcing the importance of medical tourism in regional aviation growth.
Expanding Network and Fleet
From its modest beginnings, Maldivian has significantly scaled its operations. The airline now operates a fleet of 26 aircraft, including Airbus A330-200 and A320 aircraft, ATRs, Dash 8s, and DHC-6 Twin Otters.
Its India network has also expanded over time:
- Malé–Thiruvananthapuram: 5 weekly flights
- Malé–Kochi: 5 weekly flights
- Hanimaadhoo–Thiruvananthapuram: 2 weekly flights
The airline further expanded its footprint by launching routes to Chennai and Mumbai in 2012, followed by Kochi in 2019 and Bengaluru in 2023.
Rising Passenger Traffic from India
India continues to be a key source market for Maldivian, with passenger numbers witnessing strong growth. The airline recorded 189,929 passengers from India in 2025, compared to 130,805 in 2024, reflecting increasing connectivity and demand.
Strengthening India–Maldives Travel Ties
The continued expansion of Maldivian’s operations highlights the growing importance of India–Maldives travel relations, driven by medical tourism, cultural ties, and geographic proximity.
Industry experts believe that the synergy between Kerala’s healthcare infrastructure and Maldivian’s connectivity will continue to fuel growth, positioning South India as a critical hub for regional aviation and medical travel.
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