Managing Director of Island Aviation Serviced Ltd (IASL) Ibrahim Iyas has announced the commencement of seaplane operations to Thoddoo, Alif Alif Atoll, in the near future. The launch of seaplane services to Thoddoo will mark the island as the second inhabited island to which seaplanes operate.
IASL noted several ongoing efforts aiming to commence the seaplane operations to Thoddoo. A surveyor team from the company has been sent to the island in order to collect the necessary information regarding exceptional services and also to obtain various opinions for the development of a platform designated for seaplane landings. Addressing PSM News, MD Iyas additionally affirmed that a risk assessment will be completed to analyse the climate stability and safeness of the coastal area and the environmental impact.
Highlighting the government's priority to expand seaplane services, Iyas proclaimed that discussions regarding the launch of the services were being initiated with the relevant authorities. He further revealed that the primary target of officiating seaplane operations to Thoddoo was to ensure the availability of the service to the general public while benefitting guesthouse businesses as well.
Explaining the benefits of seaplane operations to the island, Thoddoo Council's President Ahmed Karam asserted that the connection of the island through air transportation would significantly assist in the development of the island. He observed that the introduction of seaplane services will attract more tourists as the services are mostly renowned for excursion. Additionally, Karam disclosed that while the island boasts 60 guest houses in total, an average of 150 tourists visits the island on a daily basis.
Seaplane operations to inhabited islands initially commenced in December, 2023, with the service first launched to Fulhadhoo from Baa Atoll.