Maafaru International Airport

Maldives Republic | 11 months ago | positive

Maafaru International Airport Reopens After Major Expansion

Maafaru International Airport reopened after completing its second major development phase, marked by a ceremonial landing of an Airbus A330-200 by Maldivian on 8 July 2025. The airport, operated by Island Aviation Services Ltd, is in Noonu Atoll. The first phase was funded by ADFD for $49 million, and the second phase by MTCC for $27 million. The runway was extended to 2.8 km to handle Code E aircraft. Since 2019, the airport has handled over 3,000 international flights and 250,000 passengers. A third phase is planned.

Maldives Republic | 1 year, 2 months ago | concerned

Government Seeks $100M in First Cross-Subsidy Project for National Security

The Maldives government launched the first cross-subsidy project for national security, increasing the investment target to US$100 million from an initial US$15 million. Under the model, investors receive islands or lagoon rights in exchange for financing government initiatives. The government is offering Hiymiya Falhu, a 712-hectare lagoon near Malé worth over US$40 million, and other unspecified locations. The announcement comes amid speculation that the government is purchasing surface-to-air missiles and a ship from a Turkish defense contractor. The government has already procured drones from a Turkish company for US$37 million, which is above market rates, leading to allegations of corruption.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 2 months ago | optimistic

IAS Invites Development Proposals for Maafaru International Airport Hotel

Island Aviation Services Ltd. (IAS), operator of Maafaru International Airport, has invited expressions of interest (EOI) to develop and operate a 50-bed airport hotel on a 4,000 sq m beachfront area. The invitation is open to local and foreign entities. Maafaru Airport, the second busiest in Maldives with 700 private jets annually, was developed with $60 million from the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development and has a 2,300m runway. In 2023, the Ibrahim Mohamed Solih administration contracted MTCC to expand the airport to accommodate Boeing 777 aircraft. The EOI deadline is 21 April 2024. The hotel project aims to enhance airport facilities and stimulate economic growth in Noonu Atoll.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 3 months ago | optimistic

Maldives Bolsters National Defence With Acquisition of Military Drones From Türkiye

The Maldives has acquired military drones for the first time, from Turkish company Baykar Technologies, to patrol its EEZ. Drones were delivered on 3 March and stationed at Maafaru Airport in Noonu Atoll. The government allocated US$37 million from the contingency budget for the purchase, which includes Bayraktar TB2 drones priced at over US$5 million each. President Muizzu emphasized the need to bolster military prowess during his February Parliament address and earlier during a state visit to China. The President's Office amended import duties to facilitate the procurement, modernizing the Maldives National Defence Force.