Private jets swamped Velana International Airport on Sunday as international tycoons and celebrities arrived in the Maldives to celebrate the New Year.
The peak tourism season in the Maldives is the duration of winter in the Northern Hemisphere, usually between November and April. The flood of visitors that arrive in the island nation for the Christmas and New Year vacations often boast a number of magnates and celebrities.
Speaking to reporters after presenting the private jets parked in the airport, Maldives Airports Company Ltd (MACL)’s Associate General Manager Hassan Areef stated that the new apron on the northern side of the airport, developed specifically for private jets, is already housing 36 jets. Counting the six jets parked in the main apron, there 42 private jets currently parked in Velana International Airport.
“More jets are still on the way,” said Hassan.
The airport had previously faced difficulties over lack of sufficient area to accommodate all the private jets that arrive in time for the New Year, which had forced jets to be diverted to some domestic airports and neighbouring countries for parking. However, the recently developed northern apron has significantly increased parking accommodation for private jets as well as the airport’s revenue.
“MACL will receive a lot of income with this parking space,” commented Hassan as he explained that a daily fee is charged from each parked jet based on its size. MACL also receives a sizable revenue from the jet fuel bought for the private jets.
According to Hassan, 508 aircraft movements were recorded for this year’s season with 336 seaplane movements and 172 runway movements.
“This is a record compared to this season of the past years.”
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