Trans Maldivian Airlines Twin Otter 8Q-TAL Suffers Partial Float Detachment at Malé-Velana International Airport
Why It MattersA float failure on a 1971-built airframe at the Maldives' main gateway draws attention to the age of floatplane fleets that carry resort transfers in the archipelago's island-hopping network.
A de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter 300 floatplane, registration 8Q-TAL, operated by Trans Maldivian Airlines, was involved in an incident at Malé-Velana International Airport (MLE/VRMM) in the Maldives on Wednesday 11 November 2026. The aircraft's left float partially detached.

The Aviation Safety Network lists the aircraft damage as substantial and records no fatalities. The aircraft is a 1971-built Twin Otter (MSN 324) powered by P&W Canada PT6A-27 engines. A video of the event shows a Trans Maldivian Airlines seaplane with one float partially detached.

















































