Real Blue｜Trans Maldivian Airways - Iru Fushi Resort to Malé (Maldives), Seaplane Flight Report

Trans Maldivian Airways
Iru Fushi Resort -
Malé (Maldives)

Seaplane Flight Report

April 2019

Posted by AO/あお

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About this flight

Our heavenly three-day, two-night stay at the Maldivian resort came to an end all too quickly, and it was time to head home.

As we reminisced about the unforgettable memories, we boarded a Trans Maldivian Airways small aircraft and flew back over the turquoise waters to Malé, the capital of the Maldives.

At Malé Airport, we spent some time at the SriLankan Airlines lounge, enjoying a meal before our connecting flight to Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka.

Departure from the Island

Flying Over the Ocean

Arrival in Malé

Malé Airport

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Departure from the Island

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Heading to the Boarding Area

Our wonderful stay at the Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives had come to an end, and we walked along this overwater pathway toward the small aircraft terminal for our flight back to Malé Airport, connecting to Colombo.

Seaplane

This is one of the Trans Maldivian Airways seaplanes stationed at the pier, connecting the resort and Malé Airport.

Equipped with floats, the plane takes off and lands on the water — a necessity since the island has no runway.

Our Aircraft

Here’s a closer look at our aircraft.

The ocean here is an unbelievably vivid cobalt blue, far more transparent and stunning than anything you’d see in Japan. Just gazing at it filled me with happiness.

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Flying Over the Ocean

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Safety Instructions

After boarding and taking my seat, the captain personally gave us a face-to-face safety briefing since there were no cabin attendants on board.

A Warm Send-Off

Just before takeoff, the hotel staff came to the pier to see us off with a friendly wave.

Plane and Ocean

The plane began to move, and once again I was struck by the unbelievably vivid blue of the ocean.

Cobalt Blue Around the Islands

After takeoff, countless tiny islands came into view.

From above, you can clearly see how the water surrounding the islands is a stunning cobalt blue, in contrast to the deeper blue of the open sea.

This dazzling color comes from coral reefs, which purify the seawater through photosynthesis.

Islands Seen from the Plane (1)

We continued flying, gazing down at the beautiful scattering of islands below.

Islands Seen from the Plane (2)

I felt incredibly fortunate to witness so many islands surrounded by untouched, natural coral reefs.

Stopover Island (1)

We made a brief water landing at this island to pick up additional passengers.

Stopover Island (2)

After taking on the new passengers, we lifted off from the water once again.

Stopover Island (3)

Staff from the island’s hotel came to see their guests off as we departed.

Stopover Island (4)

Our aircraft took off from the water once more.

Now Fully Booked

After picking up passengers from the other island, every seat on the plane was filled.

Islands Seen from the Plane (3)

Here’s another Maldivian island captured after our second takeoff.

From this view, you can really appreciate the incredible clarity of the water and the brilliant cobalt blue created by the surrounding coral reefs.

Islands Seen from the Plane (4)

Another beautiful cluster of islands comes into view.

Islands Seen from the Plane (5)

This one appears to be a resort island.

Ocean Views from the Plane

We continue our journey over the vast, breathtaking ocean.

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Arrival in Malé

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Just Before Landing (1)

Moments before touching down on the waters near Malé.

Just Before Landing (2)

Flying above Malé, the capital of the Maldives.

On this small island, government buildings, office towers, and residential apartments are packed incredibly close together. Unlike the separate islands used for the airport and resorts, Malé concentrates the nation’s main urban functions in a very compact space.

Just Before Landing (3)

Approaching Malé Airport for our water landing. Unlike regular runways, the seaplane lands directly on the ocean surface.

Landing

Touchdown on the water!

Heading to the Airport Terminal

We disembarked from the seaplane and made our way toward the airport terminal.

Our Aircraft

This is the Trans Maldivian Airways seaplane that brought us here from the resort.

Parking Area

Another seaplane parked nearby.

Transferring to the Main Terminal

We transferred from the small seaplane passenger terminal to the main terminal for larger aircraft.

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Malé Airport

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Airport Terminal

This is the departure terminal for larger aircraft at Malé Airport.

You can catch a glimpse of the ocean in the distance, reminding us that even though Malé is the capital of the Maldives, it’s actually located on a very small island. The Maldives, after all, is a nation made up of countless tiny islands.