Manta Air has commenced direct flights between Bengaluru and Dh. Kudahuvadhoo in India.

The Manta Air flight, which took off from Bengaluru this morning, landed directly at Dhaalu Airport, making it the first international flight for the airline.

Manta Air CEO Mohammad Khalil, who was at Dhaalu Airport, said in an interview that one of the main objectives of starting international flights is to expand tourism and the resumption of flights to Bengaluru will give a big boost to tourism in the region.

Khalil added that from March 5, there will be flights between Bengaluru and Dhaalu airport three days a week. He added that the expansion of Dhaalu airport will also bring in Airbuses and the airport will commence flights to other parts of India as well.

"This means starting direct Dhaalu airport services from other Indian cities, and Sri Lanka, China and the Middle East. The target is to start in the next two to three years," Khalil said.

Khalil said that international flights would add to manta's flying hours, which would be the biggest benefit for an airline, and this would also help in developing domestic airports.

There are eight resorts operating in Dhaalu Atoll, including the highest-end resorts. Of these resorts, Kandinma Maldives and Niyama Resort are owned by Sanjay Manik, the owner of the Dhaalu Airport.