Interview, Mohamed Khaleel, CEO, Manta Air
1) What motivated Manta Air to launch direct flights between Dhaalu Airport in the Maldives and Bengaluru?
Our decision was driven by the significant inventory of resorts and a wide range of affordable accommodation options in Dhaalu and the surrounding islands. We saw a clear opportunity to establish a direct route to India, particularly Bengaluru, due to its strategic location and strong travel demand. Our current fleet comprises ATR 72-600 aircraft, which have a limited range — this made Bengaluru a practical and viable choice over cities like Mumbai or those located farther away.
However, Bengaluru is just the beginning. If this route proves successful, we plan to expand further — potentially connecting to other Indian cities. We’re also working on upgrading Dhaalu Airport to handle larger aircraft, which would open doors to wider international connectivity. India remains a key market for the Maldives, thanks to its rapidly growing middle class and the already strong tourism ties between our nations.
2) Are there plans to introduce flights from other Indian cities to the Maldives?
Yes, we foresee both Indian and Maldivian carriers expanding into other Indian cities that show growth potential. The Maldives is an ideal getaway for Indian travellers, given its proximity, natural beauty, and increasing affordability. However, to truly unlock the potential of this market, we need to invest more in brand awareness and marketing campaigns tailored to Indian travellers. As demand rises, connectivity will naturally follow.
3) As a member of the Economic Council and an advisor to the government on tourism development, what are your views on the current state of the Maldivian tourism sector?
Our tourism sector is on an encouraging path. In 2024, we surpassed two million arrivals, and our target is to achieve at least 15% growth this year. The administration has set ambitious goals, not only in terms of visitor numbers but also in market diversification and value generation. We are shifting our focus from just increasing arrivals to improving average daily rates and boosting occupancy. This involves strengthening our existing source markets while also expanding into new regions through targeted marketing and partnerships.
4) How do you foresee the tourism dynamics evolving between India and the Maldives in the coming years? The ‘India Out’ campaign had affected tourist inflows. Was that avoidable?
The outlook is positive. Indian tourists play a crucial role, particularly during the summer months when arrivals from other regions typically dip. They often take advantage of attractive packages for short holiday breaks. Although campaigns like ‘India Out’ did impact perceptions temporarily, we believe those were momentary disruptions that could have been better managed through communication and diplomacy.
Now, with bilateral ties improving, and efforts underway to enhance connectivity and simplify the travel process, we expect a strong rebound. The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) is actively collaborating with Indian stakeholders to position the Maldives as a top holiday destination. A strengthened Indian market will have a ripple effect across our economy, creating more opportunities in the travel and hospitality sectors.
5) What is your long-term vision for Manta Air, particularly on the international front?
Our long-term goal is to become the most trusted and preferred Maldivian airline, known for quality and reliability. Internationally, we aim to expand routes from Dhaalu to more Indian and other Asian cities. To support this vision, we’re in the process of upgrading Dhaalu Airport to accommodate larger aircraft. This expansion will enable direct connectivity from global markets to resorts in the Dhaalu region, accelerating tourism growth and driving broader economic development.