Maafaru airport completes runway expansion, welcomes wide-body jets
The expansion of the runway at N. Maafaru International Airport has been completed, with a wide-body aircraft landing at the airport on Tuesday to mark the milestone. As part of the second phase of the Maafaru Airport Development Project, the runway was extended by 650 metres, increasing its total length to 2,850 metres. This upgrade […]
Air Arabia expands Maldives service with 2 daily flights
Air Arabia, the Middle East and North Africa’s first and largest low-cost carrier (LCC) operator, has announced the expansion of its existing service between Sharjah and Maldives to twice daily non-stop flights starting October 27, 2025. The increase in frequency comes after a year from operating the service between Sharjah International Airport and Velana International […]
Maafaru airport welcomes first wide-body aircraft in historic landing
A wide-body aircraft has landed at Maafaru International Airport for the first time, marking a significant milestone in the airport’s development. The Emirates Boeing 777 touched down as part of a crucial certification process, according to a statement from the Maldives Ministry of Transport. The Maafaru Airport, funded by the Abu Dhabi Fund and opened […]
RACL opens first airport in Meemu Atoll
Regional Airports Company Limited (RACL) has announced the completion and opening of the Muli Airport, the first airport in Meemu Atoll. Development work on the airport, located on M. Muli island, began in August 2021. A regulatory test flight was successfully carried out on 25 April 2025. In a statement issued Thursday, RACL confirmed that […]
Maldives reports 90% completion of VIA terminal, outlines national aviation development
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced on Saturday that 90% of the new passenger terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA) has been completed. The update was shared during a press conference held at the President’s Office, where he presented details of ongoing government projects, including airport development initiatives across the Maldives. According to the President, the […]
World Bank projects 5.7% Maldives GDP growth in 2025, driven by new airport terminal
The World Bank has projected that the Maldives’ real GDP will grow by 5.7% in 2025, supported in large part by the anticipated completion of the new terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA). In its latest Maldives Development Update, the World Bank notes that medium-term economic growth is expected to strengthen slightly, with improved performance […]
Maldives’ capital among next 8 cities to receive Emirates’ retrofitted Boeing 777 services
Emirates has announced that the Maldives will be among the next eight destinations to be served by the airline’s B777s with upgraded cabins, as the airline’s retrofit programme continues to progress at an impressive pace, with an aircraft receiving a nose-to-tail facelift and rolling out into service every three weeks. Customers travelling to the Maldives […]
Blackstone set to reacquire Trans Maldivian Airways
Blackstone, the world’s largest private equity firm, is in the final stages of reacquiring Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA), nearly eight years after selling it to a consortium led by Bain Capital and Chinese conglomerate Tempus Group. According to sources familiar with the matter, the deal is expected to be at a price close to what […]
MACL aims to complete Velana International Airport’s new terminal by July
Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) said on Sunday that the new terminal at Velana International Airport is expected to be completed by July. MACL provided an update on the terminal’s progress during a presentation at the annual general meeting of the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) at Kurumba Maldives. During the presentation, MACL Deputy […]
Maldives’ main airport to open new terminal before October
President Mohamed Muizzu announced Thursday that the new terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA) will be opened before October. Delivering the presidential address at the opening of parliament, President Muizzu stated that the government is working to expand the Maldives’ air transport system to support tourism. He also confirmed that Hanimaadhoo International Airport and Addu […]
Maldivian launches wide-body aircraft service
Maldivian, the national airline of the Maldives, officially launched its wide-body aircraft service on Monday with the arrival of an Airbus A330 at Velana International Airport (VIA). This marks the airline’s first operation of a wide-body aircraft. The launch event began with an air show featuring other Maldivian flights before the Airbus A330 landed on […]
Maldivian to get second wide-body aircraft in October
A second wide-body aircraft will join the fleet of Maldivian, the national airline of the Maldives, and begin operations in October, President Mohamed Muizzu announced on Monday. The Airbus A-330, which landed at Venala International Airport (VIA) at 5:14 pm, was welcomed with a water salute. A special ceremony was held to mark the occasion, […]
