The newly constructed 400,000-litre fuel farm at N. Maafaru International Airport was formally inaugurated and commenced operations yesterday. This marks the establishment of Island Aviation Company’s first-ever fuel farm, a significant moment for the company responsible for the operation of the Maldivian national airline.
Island Aviation, responsible for managing Maafaru Airport, held a ceremony to mark the fuel farm’s commencement. Key individuals present at the event included Managing Director of Island Aviation Mohamed Mihad and Managing Director and CEO of Maldives Islamic Bank (MIB), Mufaddal Idris Khumri, who financed the project.
Island Aviation has indicated that the fuel farm will expand services at Maafaru Airport and is expected to increase flight frequencies. According to Managing Director Mohamed Mihad, Maafaru Airport currently operates 700 flights annually, and with the fuel farm in operation, that number is expected to double.
Key details about the fuel farm:
The facility can store 400,000 litres of jet fuel, offering refuelling services for aircraft. It utilises a primary bowser with a 35,000-litre capacity and a secondary bowser with a 20,000-litre capacity, ensuring compliance with international safety standards. Moreover, it can refuel multiple planes.
Maafaru Airport has witnessed a significant number of private jet landings, with over 400 private jets arriving in the previous year. The airport was opened in 2019 and funded with USD 60 million from the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD). The airport’s runway is designed to accommodate Boeing A320 and Boeing 737 aircraft.
Ongoing expansion efforts include increasing the airport terminal’s capacity from 100 to 300 passengers and extending the runway by 650 metres. The proximity of high-end resorts contributes to the significant number of departing travellers from Maafaru Airport.
