At Trans Maldivian Airways, the Operations Control Centre forms the quiet core of every journey, the place where decisions are made, movements are coordinated, and each flight is carefully managed. Over the years, the department has evolved alongside the airline itself, growing not only in scale and complexity, but also in responsibility and representation within the team.
What was once a largely male-dominated space has steadily transformed into one where women play an increasingly visible and influential role. Today, there are shifts where the entire Operations floor is run by women, overseeing real-time flight movements to resorts across the country.
This shift reflects more than a change in numbers. It speaks to a culture that values capability over convention, and confidence earned through experience. In an environment defined by constant movement, weather changes, international connections, and tight schedules, women in Operations have become the steady force at the core of every journey.
One such story is that of Mariyam Maaha.
Maaha’s journey with TMA began straight out of school as an intern in Customer Service. Surrounded by travellers, timetables, and the unmistakable presence of Twin Otters, her fascination with aviation grew naturally. What started as curiosity soon turned into purpose. Watching aircraft depart and return each day, she found herself drawn not just to the planes, but to the precision and coordination behind them.
Her move into Operations marked a defining moment. Observing controllers at work — the decisiveness, the responsibility, the quiet authority — left a lasting impression. Every day became a lesson. Every challenge reinforced a goal she set for herself early on: to become a controller. It was a vision shaped by determination and sustained by persistence.
“No two days are ever the same. That challenge is what keeps me motivated. Every day pushes you to think, adapt, and make the right call.”
Today, as TMA’s first female Operations Controller, Maaha represents more than a personal milestone. She reflects a wider evolution within the department, one where women are not only present, but pivotal. Her journey is a reminder that leadership doesn’t always announce itself. Sometimes, it grows steadily through discipline, learning, and an unwavering belief in what’s possible.
Within this environment, leadership plays a key role in fostering and sustaining that growth. The team speaks of the confidence that comes from clear guidance and trust from management, particularly during high-pressure situations. This support allows the department to maintain high operational standards while continuing to grow professionally.
Operations at Trans Maldivian Airways offers a career that is both demanding and deeply rewarding. Through precision, teamwork, and quiet leadership, women across the department continue to strengthen the operational backbone of the airline, proving that behind every smooth flight is a team defined not by titles or tradition, but by capability and commitment.
At the Heart of the Operation: Women in Aviation at Trans Maldivian Airways
Blogs /by Aishath Rifqa AbdullaAt Trans Maldivian Airways, the Operations Control Centre forms the quiet core of every journey, the place where decisions are made, movements are coordinated, and each flight is carefully managed. Over the years, the department has evolved alongside the airline itself, growing not only in scale and complexity, but also in responsibility and representation within the team.
What was once a largely male-dominated space has steadily transformed into one where women play an increasingly visible and influential role. Today, there are shifts where the entire Operations floor is run by women, overseeing real-time flight movements to resorts across the country.
This shift reflects more than a change in numbers. It speaks to a culture that values capability over convention, and confidence earned through experience. In an environment defined by constant movement, weather changes, international connections, and tight schedules, women in Operations have become the steady force at the core of every journey.
One such story is that of Mariyam Maaha.
Maaha’s journey with TMA began straight out of school as an intern in Customer Service. Surrounded by travellers, timetables, and the unmistakable presence of Twin Otters, her fascination with aviation grew naturally. What started as curiosity soon turned into purpose. Watching aircraft depart and return each day, she found herself drawn not just to the planes, but to the precision and coordination behind them.
Her move into Operations marked a defining moment. Observing controllers at work — the decisiveness, the responsibility, the quiet authority — left a lasting impression. Every day became a lesson. Every challenge reinforced a goal she set for herself early on: to become a controller. It was a vision shaped by determination and sustained by persistence.
Today, as TMA’s first female Operations Controller, Maaha represents more than a personal milestone. She reflects a wider evolution within the department, one where women are not only present, but pivotal. Her journey is a reminder that leadership doesn’t always announce itself. Sometimes, it grows steadily through discipline, learning, and an unwavering belief in what’s possible.
Within this environment, leadership plays a key role in fostering and sustaining that growth. The team speaks of the confidence that comes from clear guidance and trust from management, particularly during high-pressure situations. This support allows the department to maintain high operational standards while continuing to grow professionally.
Operations at Trans Maldivian Airways offers a career that is both demanding and deeply rewarding. Through precision, teamwork, and quiet leadership, women across the department continue to strengthen the operational backbone of the airline, proving that behind every smooth flight is a team defined not by titles or tradition, but by capability and commitment.
TMA Records Highest Single-Day Operations with 7000 Passengers Transferred
General, News /by Aishath Rifqa AbdullaOn 15 February 2026, Trans Maldivian Airways marked a significant operational milestone, recording the highest single-day operational volume in the company’s history.
Over the course of the day, the airline successfully served more than 7,000 passengers, completing over 800 take-offs and landings across its extensive seaplane network. This achievement reflects the scale and complexity of TMA’s operations, particularly during periods of peak demand.
The milestone underscores the airline’s strong operational readiness and its ability to deliver safe, reliable, and seamless connectivity at scale. It was made possible through the tireless efforts, expertise, and close coordination of TMA’s teams across multiple departments, who continue to transform complex operational requirements into smooth and efficient journeys for passengers.
Trans Maldivian Airways remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of operational excellence while supporting the Maldives’ tourism industry through dependable and world-class seaplane services.
Trans Maldivian Airways Honoured at the Inaugural Velana Awards
General, News /by Aishath Rifqa AbdullaTrans Maldivian Airways (TMA) is proud to be recognised as Top Domestic Airline by Passenger Throughput at the Velana Awards, the first-ever aviation awards hosted by Velana International Airport.
The award reflects a landmark year for TMA. In 2025, the airline recorded the highest passenger volumes in its history, reaffirming its vital role in connecting travellers to destinations across the Maldives.
Since its inception, Trans Maldivian Airways has been the backbone of the nation’s tourism infrastructure. Today, TMA operates the largest seaplane network in the world, with a fleet of 66 DHC-6 Twin Otters, operating over 400 flights daily across 16 atolls, and facilitating more than one million transfers to over 80 resorts annually.
This recognition at the Velana Awards further cements TMA’s position as the country’s leading domestic airline and underscores its continued commitment to supporting Maldivian tourism through scale, reliability, and operational excellence.
Trans Maldivian Airways Strengthens Fleet with Arrival of 66th Aircraft
General, News /by Aishath Rifqa AbdullaTrans Maldivian Airways (TMA), the world’s largest seaplane operator, proudly announces the arrival of its 66th aircraft, marking another significant milestone in the airline’s journey of sustained growth, resilience and operational excellence. As the backbone of tourism infrastructure across the atolls, this latest addition strategically bolsters TMA’s capacity to meet the evolving needs of the archipelago’s travel industry.
Since introducing seaplane operations to the Maldives in 1993, TMA has redefined how guests access and experience this island nation, delivering seamless connectivity to some of the world’s most remote and exclusive destinations. Today, TMA operates an industry-leading fleet of DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft, including 13 resort-branded aircraft and two VIP-configured aircraft, connecting over 80 resorts across 16 atolls. Operating over 400 daily flights and completing millions of flight cycles annually, TMA maintains one of the highest-utilisation Twin Otter fleets globally, anchored by world-class safety and reliability.
Commenting on the arrival of the 66th aircraft, Shubham Moondhara, Head of Corporate Strategy & Business Development, stated:
“The arrival of our 66th aircraft follows a truly exceptional year for Trans Maldivian Airways. In 2025, we achieved the highest passenger volumes in our history, a testament to both the enduring appeal of the Maldives as a tourist destination and the trust our partners place in us. This expansion allows us to operate with greater agility while upholding the gold standard of service excellence that defines TMA. As we move through 2026, our focus remains on scaling responsibly and ensuring every journey across the atolls is as memorable as the destination itself.”
Looking ahead, Trans Maldivian Airways remains dedicated to its customer-centric mission. Powered by a highly skilled workforce whose expertise remains central to the airline’s success, TMA is well-positioned to support the future of Maldivian tourism and ensuring that Maldives remains the world’s premier island destination.
TMA Soars Again at 32nd Annual World Travel Awards
General, News /by Aishath Rifqa AbdullaTrans Maldivian Airways (TMA), the world’s largest seaplane operator, has once again reaffirmed its position as a global leader in aviation with new recognitions at the World Travel Awards 2025. This year, TMA was honored as the World’s Leading Seaplane Operator 2025 and the Indian Ocean’s Leading Seaplane Operator 2025, reflecting its continued contribution to air connectivity across the Maldives. The 32nd Annual World Travel Awards ceremony was held at Exhibition World Bahrain and attended by more than 300 leaders from the global tourism industry.
Since its establishment in 1993, TMA has played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s aviation & tourism landscape. Operating the world’s largest seaplane fleet with 65 DHC-6 Twin Otters and serving over 80 resort destinations, TMA provides essential connectivity across the archipelago with a focus on safety, reliability, and operational efficiency. With more than 400 flights conducted daily, the airline continues to play a central role in enabling access to resort islands spread across the nation.
Commenting on the recognition, Mr. A.U.M. Fawzy, CEO of Trans Maldivian Airways, stated:
“This prestigious recognition from the World Travel Awards, year after year, reflects the trust placed in our team by our partners and guests, and the responsibility we carry as the primary air service provider connecting resort destinations across the Maldives. At TMA, our focus remains on continuous improvement and building on decades of service excellence. As the tourism industry in the Maldives continues to evolve and grow, we will continue strengthening our operations and supporting the long-term development of the Maldives as a world-leading destination.”
Trans Maldivian Airways continues to advance its operational capabilities through ongoing investments in fleet upgrades, infrastructure, training, and technology-driven enhancements to meet growing demand while maintaining its hallmark of reliable and consistent service.
As the Maldives prepares for continued growth in visitor arrivals, TMA remains committed to collaborating with industry partners, supporting national tourism development goals, and ensuring a seamless and dependable travel experience for guests visiting the Maldives’ island destinations.
TMA Honored as Leading Tourist Transport Provider (Air) at the 9th South Asian Travel Awards
General, News /by Aishath Rifqa AbdullaTrans Maldivian Airways (TMA) has once again been recognized as the Leading Tourist Transport Provider (Air) at the 9th edition of the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2025, held at Cinnamon Grand, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
The South Asian Travel Awards, one of the most prestigious platforms in the region, celebrates excellence across the hospitality and tourism industry in Maldives, Sri Lanka, India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh. This year’s edition brought together leading travel and tourism brands from across South Asia to honor outstanding achievements and contributions.
Winning this award for yet another year is a testament to TMA’s continued commitment to delivering safe, seamless, and memorable transfer experiences for travelers, while strengthening its role as a vital link in the Maldives’ tourism industry.
As the world’s largest seaplane operator, Trans Maldivian Airways remains dedicated to enhancing its services and setting new benchmarks in tourist air transport, in close partnership with resorts and industry stakeholders.
TMA extends its heartfelt appreciation to its partners and team members whose unwavering support and commitment continue to make achievements like this possible.
Trans Maldivian Airways Begins Operations to Ananea Madivaru Maldives Resort in North Ari Atoll
News, Resorts /by Aishath Rifqa AbdullaTrans Maldivian Airways is pleased to welcome Ananea Madivaru Maldives Resort, an extraordinary island escape nestled in the serene North Ari Atoll, as the latest addition to its esteemed portfolio of resort partners in the Maldives.
We are honored to be the preferred seaplane partner for this luxurious 5-star resort, and remain committed to offering an exceptional transfer experience from the moment guests arrive. With turquoise waters below and endless skies above, the journey to Ananea Madivaru is as unforgettable as the destination itself.
Ananea Madivaru Maldives officially opened its doors in April 2025, marking a new chapter in refined island living. Set across two interlinked islands, the resort offers powder-soft beaches, a vast lagoon, and a vibrant house reef. Guests are welcomed with warm hospitality on the main island, home to signature experiences including the Kandu Spa, Dive Centre, Kids Club, nine exquisite dining options, and an array of beachfront and overwater villas. The second island features additional villas, restaurants, and a Recreation Centre, completing a truly idyllic Maldivian escape.
Flying Forward: The Growing Presence of Women at TMA
General, News /by Aishath Rifqa AbdullaOn International Women’s Day 2025, Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA) proudly joins the global movement to “Accelerate Action” towards gender equality. At Trans Maldivian Airways, we take great pride in fostering an inclusive workplace where talent and passion drive success. As the world’s largest seaplane operator, we recognize the importance of diversity and are committed to creating opportunities for women in aviation- a traditionally male-dominated industry.
Over the past few years, we have witnessed a steady increase in female representation across various roles at TMA. As of 2025, our female workforce has grown by an impressive 50% compared to 2022. This growth is a testament to TMA’s commitment to breaking barriers and inspiring the next generation of women in aviation. Whether in engineering, flight operations, or leadership roles, we believe that diversity strengthens our team and enhances our ability to deliver exceptional service.
As we continue to expand our operations, we remain dedicated to fostering an inclusive culture that supports and empowers women in aviation. TMA looks forward to welcoming even more talented women into our workforce and contributing to a more diverse and equitable future in the aviation industry.
Trans Maldivian Airways Inspires Future Aviators at Ghiyasuddin International School’s Career Fair
General, News /by Aishath Rifqa AbdullaTrans Maldivian Airways (TMA) proudly participated in the Ghiyasuddin International School (GIS) Career Fair, held on 20th February 2025, joining 16 other exhibitors in providing students with valuable insights into various career opportunities. The event served as a platform for students to explore different educational pathways and gain firsthand knowledge about the skills required to succeed in their chosen fields.
As part of TMA’s commitment to fostering future talent in aviation, Captain Ibrahim Nafhath Shameem represented the airline in the panel discussion The Sky’s the Limit – Aviation Opportunities. He shared his personal journey in the industry, offering students a deeper understanding of the diverse career prospects in aviation. The session also featured an engaging Q&A, where students had the opportunity to interact directly with professionals and gain real-world insights.
TMA remains dedicated to inspiring the next generation by sharing expertise and encouraging students to pursue rewarding careers in aviation.
Paradise is Calling! TMA and Le Méridien Maldives Invite You to Experience the Maldives Magic
General, News /by Aishath Rifqa AbdullaTrans Maldivian Airways (TMA) is delighted to partner with the stunning Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa to bring you the chance to win the dream holiday of a lifetime. This exclusive giveaway offers a 3-night all-inclusive stay for two at the luxurious Le Méridien Maldives, where every moment feels like stepping into paradise.
The prize includes:
✨ A blissful 3-night stay for two, with white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters at your doorstep
✨ All-inclusive dining and beverages for a truly carefree experience
✨ Scenic roundtrip seaplane transfers with Trans Maldivian Airways, the world’s largest seaplane operator
How to Enter:
The giveaway closes on 31st December 2024, and the winner will be announced in early January 2025. The prize is valid until December 2025.
Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa, nestled in the serene Lhaviyani Atoll, is a haven of tranquility and elegance, offering guests unparalleled experiences in the heart of the Indian Ocean. With its iconic overwater villas, pristine beaches, and indulgent dining options, it’s the ultimate destination for couples and adventurers alike.
Trans Maldivian Airways, with its fleet of 65 DHC-6 Twin Otters, continues to redefine scenic travel in the Maldives, connecting travelers to over 80 exquisite resorts across 14 atolls. With over a million passenger transfers annually, TMA is synonymous with seamless journeys and unforgettable experiences in this tropical paradise.
Don’t miss your chance to wake up in paradise. Enter now and let TMA and Le Méridien Maldives make your dream holiday a reality!
Terms and conditions apply. International flights are not included.