Maafaru International Airport has seen an increase in jet landings since the country reopened its borders. The airport has welcomed 65 jets in November, resulting in a 59% increase in jet landings.
Opened in 2019, the Maafaru Airport was a groundbreaking investment for the development of the Noonu atoll and an economically beneficial project for the ongoing businesses as well as the luxury resort islands. According to Island Aviation, the airport has seen a steady increase in the number of jet landings since the border reopening.
Mumthaz Ali, General Manager of Maafaru International Aiport revealed that the airport welcomed 15 private jets in July, 14 jets in August and 13 jets in September. While the number of jet landings spiked to 41 in October, the number went on the rise to 65 private jets in the month of November. This is a 59% increase.
Mumthaz also highlighted that so far, the airport has welcomed 18 private jets in December and the number is expected to reach 100 by the end of the month.
Travelers arriving by private jet have been permitted to enter the country since 1st June 2020. Since the peak season of the destination is approaching, the number of private jets arriving in the Maldives is projected to increase. The island nation has previously witnessed increase in jet landings up to 15 jets a day during the peak season.
Maafaru airport was developed with a grant aid of US$ 60 million from the United Arab Emirates’s (UAE) Abu Dhabi Fund for Development. The airport was developed by a Singaporean company. The airport boasts a 2,200-meter long runway and is 40 meters wide with a state-of-the-art terminal with a VIP lounge. The airport can land large aircrafts such as Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 and is managed by Maldivian.
Photo credits: Dynamyst
