Runway Expansion Set to Welcome Wide-Body Aircraft at Maafaru International Airport

The Maldives is steoing towards advance its aviation industry as well as strengthen tourism as Maafaru International Airport successfully began operations with a Boeing 777 and is now able to handle luxury jets and craft such as the Boeing 777 and Airbus A350.

This achievement also brought joy to the Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed as he sees this as an advantage ever since tourism in the Maldives went on a decline.

Since becoming an international airport on July 1st, 2020, Maafaru Airport (located in the northern Noonu Atoll) has been instrumental in providing access to tourists to luxury resorts situated in Noonu, Raa, and Baa Atolls and has been performing well as a private jet airport.

Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Mohamed Ameen praised the achievement as well, claiming that the landing of a wide body jet is “remarkable” for the aviation industry. He confirmed that prior construction outlined in phase two of the project has been completed with the runway now measuring 2.8 kilometers, and taxiways and the apron being upgraded making it possible for maafaru to berate boeing 777 neos and airbus A350s.

The airport came into service in 2019 and was supported by the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development. It is now capable of servicing international flights such as the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737.

At the same time, Island Aviation and service Ltd (ISAL), who manages the airport, is looking for contractors for the expansion of the terminal. There are plans to add 900 square metres in two levels to the terminal. The new features include VIP zones and luxury lounges, catering to the escalating demands of high-end travelers.

The expansions being made to Maafaru are also part of the overall goal of shifting infrastructure tourism in the Maldives to other regions, adapting to the increase in high-class tourists.