To commemorate this important milestone, Maldivian’s widebody A330 aircraft landed at Maafaru International Airport, signifying the operational readiness of the extended runway and enhanced infrastructure.
IASL
Maafaru International Airport, operated by Island Aviation Services Limited (IASL), has officially inaugurated its newly expanded facilities, developed with the generous support of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD). The inauguration was marked by a special event held at the airport earlier today.
To commemorate this important milestone, Maldivian’s widebody A330 aircraft landed at Maafaru International Airport, signifying the operational readiness of the extended runway and enhanced infrastructure. This was the first commercial flight to land at the airport since the completion of the new development, representing a landmark achievement in IASL’s ongoing strategy to expand aviation capabilities and unlock new commercial opportunities across the region.
Since its opening in 2019, the airport has rapidly emerged as a key international gateway for tourism, currently ranking as the second busiest airport in the Maldives. Strategically located 180 kilometres north of Malé, the airport has recorded over 9,000 flight movements and 3,000 international flights between 2019 and June 2025. During this period, it has served over 250,000 passengers across domestic, private jet, charter flights and seaplane operations.
The recently completed expansion includes:
• A 650-meter runway extension (runway has been extended from 2,200-meters to 2,850-meters)
• Reclamation of over one million cubic meters of land
• A 5,700-meter revetment
• Upgrades to taxiways, airfield lighting, boundary fencing, and asphalt surfacing
These developments enable the airport to accommodate widebody aircraft and international charter flights, enhancing operational flexibility and commercial potential.
The project aligns with the Maldivian Government’s vision to promote equitable regional development, generate employment, and support the growth of sustainable tourism. Since 2019, the airport has created over 70 job opportunities, with further economic benefits expected as operations grow. In 2023, a dedicated Jet A-1 fuel farm was commissioned at the airport, further supporting its operational independence and efficiency.
Maafaru International Airport also hosts Maldivian’s dedicated seaplane dock, further enhancing its connectivity to nearby resorts and reinforcing its position as a key hub for luxury tourism in the northern atolls. For IASL, the airport expansion is a critical step toward its broader business objectives, enhancing domestic and international connectivity, improving service offerings, and creating new revenue-generating opportunities. It also positions Maafaru International Airport as a key hub within the national aviation network, capable of supporting the demands of tourism growth and international air traffic.
IASL noted that looking ahead, a terminal expansion project is currently underway, featuring a new passenger lounge and city hotel to further enhance the airport’s capacity and services. This expansion will not only strengthen the airport’s role as a vital gateway for international arrivals but also reaffirms IASL’s commitment to national economic resilience, sustainable growth, and aviation excellence.
