_All passengers were evacuated following a_ _Trans Maldivian Airways_ _seaplane_ _incident at_ _Velana International Airport__. One crew member was injured, while airport authorities confirmed that seaplane operations continued._
All passengers escaped injury after a Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA) seaplane was involved in an incident at Velana International Airport on 11 November 2026, prompting an emergency response at the Noovilu Seaplane Terminal.
The Maldives Transportation Safety Board (MTSB) confirmed that the aircraft made contact with a dock while manoeuvring away from it. A cabin attendant sustained injuries and required medical treatment, while no other injuries were reported.
The incident occurred at approximately 2:25 p.m. at the airport's water aerodrome, a major departure point for international travellers transferring to resorts across the Maldives.
In a statement reported following the incident, TMA confirmed the evacuation of everyone aboard the aircraft.
"All passengers and crew have been evacuated," the airline said, adding that the circumstances surrounding the incident were being investigated.
Photographs and videos circulated online showed the seaplane tilted in the water, with reports indicating damage to one of its floats. However, the precise cause of the incident has not been officially established.
Seaplane operations continued following incident
Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), which operates Velana International Airport, confirmed that its Airport Emergency Services responded to the incident and provided assistance at the scene.
The airport operator also confirmed that the water aerodrome remained open, with seaplane services continuing without a wider operational suspension.
The Noovilu Seaplane Terminal serves as a major transport hub for international visitors connecting to island resorts across the Maldives, particularly destinations beyond the reach of conventional speedboat transfers.
Investigation underway
In its official statement issued on 12 November, the MTSB confirmed the injury sustained by the cabin attendant.
"The aircraft's cabin attendant sustained injuries and is receiving medical care. No one else was injured," the safety board stated.
The MTSB has opened an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the occurrence, with further information expected as facts are confirmed.
Separate media reports on 12 November described the injured crew member as receiving hospital treatment, although accounts of the individual's condition differed. No subsequent official medical update had been independently verified by MVT at the time of publication.
For travellers, the airport operator's confirmation that seaplane services continued following the incident indicated that it did not result in a general suspension of resort transfers.
