President announces plans to expand terminal facilities at Maafaru airport
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that a terminal suitable for the new runway at N. Maafaru International Airport will be developed as part of the airport’s continued expansion.
Speaking during an official visit to Noonu Atoll, President Muizzu stated that while the runway at Maafaru Airport has been developed to accommodate wide-body aircraft, a corresponding terminal is yet to be constructed. He noted that additional facilities required for the functioning of an international airport will also be established.
The airport was developed with assistance from the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD). The fund provided USD 49 million for the first phase of the development and USD 27 million for the second phase. The airport was initially built to accommodate aircraft such as the Airbus A320 and Boeing models. An Emirates Boeing 777 landed at the airport as part of the certification process.
Highlighting the growing number of high-end resorts and increasing tourism capacity in the atoll, the President said the development of Maafaru Airport presents opportunities to support the region’s tourism infrastructure. He stated that further additions such as a transit hotel are being planned to cater to tourists requiring short-term accommodation between flights.
“There are other necessary components that need to be added to the airport,” President Muizzu said. “A terminal is the most essential part. There is more work to be done.”
The President confirmed that discussions are ongoing with the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development to take the project forward. “We aim to complete the airport with all required features, including the terminal and other supporting infrastructure,” he said.
President Muizzu added that the government is working to finalise these developments at the earliest possible time.
Island Aviation, which manages Maafaru Airport, had previously announced a tender for terminal expansion. The company has also invited expressions of interest for the construction of a 50-room airport hotel.
Maafaru Airport currently records the second highest number of private jet arrivals in the Maldives.
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