Maafaru International Airport has reached a major milestone with the successful landing of its first Boeing 777 aircraft this week, signalling a new phase in the Maldives’ efforts to expand its national aviation infrastructure and strengthen luxury tourism.
The event was hailed by Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed as a significant boost to the country’s tourism sector. In a post on X, he stated that the ongoing development of Maafaru Airport continues to create new economic opportunities for Maldivians and enhance the Maldives’ capacity to serve high-end travellers.
Built in the northern Noonu Atoll, Maafaru Airport has seen rapid growth in popularity as a preferred destination for private jets. It has played a key role in connecting tourists to luxury resorts located in Noonu, Raa, and Baa Atolls since it began operating as an international airport on 1 July 2020.
Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Mohamed Ameen also praised the progress at Maafaru, describing the successful landing of a wide-body aircraft as a “remarkable” milestone for the Maldives’ aviation sector. He confirmed that the second phase of the airport’s development has now been completed, with the runway extended to 2.8 kilometres and upgrades made to taxiways and the apron. This means Maafaru is now technically capable of handling aircraft such as the Boeing 777 and Airbus A350.
The airport, originally inaugurated in 2019, was developed with funding support from the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development. Since then, it has been equipped to accommodate various international aircraft models including the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737.
Meanwhile, Island Aviation Services Limited (IASL), which operates the airport, is seeking developers for a terminal expansion project. Plans are underway to extend the current terminal by 900 square metres over two storeys, with upgraded features including VIP zones and lounges to meet the growing demand from luxury travellers.
Maafaru’s expansion reflects the broader strategy of decentralising tourism infrastructure and improving regional air access as the Maldives continues to attract a growing number of affluent visitors.
