Maafaru International Airport has officially reopened to international operations, marking a significant step toward enhancing regional connectivity and meeting the increasing demand for luxury travel. This airport is recognised for having the second-greatest number of private jets in the Maldives, following Velana International Airport.
International operations were put on hold in May of last year to facilitate a redevelopment project at the airport, including an expansion of the current runway from 2.2 kilometres to 2.8 kilometres, aimed at accommodating larger aircraft.
Maafaru Airport, which handles a large volume of jet parking, is also in the process of expanding its apron to significantly increase its capacity for more aircraft. This project will allow the airport to accommodate 26 business jets at once, effectively doubling its current capacity of 13. The expansion is aimed at improving operational efficiency and addressing the increasing demand from luxury travellers. By investing in these upgrades, the airport seeks to deliver an exceptional travel experience that aligns with the expectations of high-end clients visiting the Maldives.
Maafaru Airport was financed by the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), which granted USD 60 million in non-reimbursable financial aid for the project and contracted the Singaporean firm Tuff Offshore for its development. Subsequently, the ADFD granted more funds to support the airport’s expansion.
These enhancements are anticipated to boost the airport’s ability to serve luxury travellers and improve connections to nearby resorts.
