Maldivian to Bring Locals from Lanka & India

Sunday 5th of April 2020

Maldivian to Bring Locals from Lanka & India

The national carrier, Maldivian has announced on holding special flights to bring in locals from Colombo, Sri Lanka and Cochin, India.

Maldivian reports two DASH-8s are scheduled for Colombo, Sri Lanka on 05 April. The first flight is expected to reach back in Velana International Airport (VIA) at 18:40hrs and the second one at 18:55. An Airbus A-321 of the Maldivian fleet is expected to return with locals around 19:00hrs from Cochin.

These locals are stuck in these states due to nationwide lock-downs implemented by the neighbouring countries to contain the spread of COVID-19. The airline has requested locals at these locations to send their passport copies and contact number should they wish to fly back to Maldives.

The Maldivian government has been providing aid via the country's universal health insurance scheme Aasandha and National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) to those stuck in foreign countries due to travel restrictions. Further, the state made arrangements for the families back home to send care packages to their loved ones under lockdown in Sri Lanka.