Maafaru

10 homes in Maafaru experience flooding from heavy rain

Heavy rain on June 12, 2026 caused severe flooding in N. Maafaru, Maldives, damaging at least 10 homes. The rain started around 2:15 pm and lasted until sunset. Maafaru Council President Mohamed Abdul Ghani reported unusually severe flooding and requested assistance from the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF). Soldiers built trenches and piled sandbags at building entrances. Dewatering finished around 12:30 am Saturday. Although no property damage reports were filed, water seeped into bedrooms and likely damaged wooden furniture. The Maldives Meteorological Service forecasts continued rain on Saturday, clearing in most areas but scattered rain in the south.

President Muizzu Departs for 13-Island Noonu Tour to Boost Local Development

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu began a four-day tour of all 13 inhabited islands of Noonu Atoll, departing Malé this morning. He will meet island councils and Women’s Development Committees, and inaugurate development projects including police posts, fitness centers, and upgrades to schools and health centers. Accompanying him are cabinet ministers and senior officials. He is expected to return to Malé on Thursday.

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 Launches Air Corps With Turkish-Made Drones to Boost Surveillance Capabilities

The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) inaugurated its Air Corps with three Bayraktar TB2 drones from Turkey at Maafaru International Airport on 15 March 2024. President Mohamed Muizzu presided over the event. The opposition Maldives Democratic Party (MDP) accused the government of financial impropriety and bypassing protocols, calling the procurement a "huge scam" financed through the contingency budget. The government defended the acquisition as necessary for round-the-clock surveillance of the Exclusive Economic Zone and combating drug trafficking. The UAVs have a 300 km range and precision strike capability.

Maldives tests Turkish drones to boost surveillance capacity

Maldives tests Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 drones at N.Maafaru to boost surveillance capacity. President Muizzu visited Turkey and reportedly signed an agreement worth MVR 560 million to operate drones. Videos of the drones flying went viral on social media. The government and MNDF have not released official information. President Muizzu announced plans to set up a 24-hour non-stop economic zone monitoring system starting in March 2024, citing Maldives' lack of capacity to monitor its vast sea territory.

Maafaru Airport Set to Become International Airline Hub