Maafaru International Airport completes apron expansion and opens for operations

The expansion of the aircraft apron at Maafaru International Airport has been completed and officially opened for operations.

This project, aimed at boosting the airport's capacity to handle increasing air traffic, was financed through the Maldives Islamic Bank (MIB) and executed by the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC).

Island Aviation Services Limited, the airport’s operator, noted that the new apron area significantly enhances ground handling services and doubles the airport's parking capacity, which is particularly vital for the high volume of private jets that frequent the region.

Coinciding with the opening of the apron, a new agreement was signed today for the terminal building extension project.

This next phase of development will focus on enlarging the passenger terminal to accommodate the growing number of international and domestic travelers. The expansion is expected to include an improved arrival hall and more spacious service areas, reinforcing Maafaru’s role as a major international gateway for the northern atolls.

The overall transformation of Maafaru International Airport has been a multi-stage endeavor largely funded by the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD). With the latest apron expansion and the upcoming terminal project, the airport is well-positioned to meet the demands of the Maldives' luxury tourism sector and improve regional connectivity.

These upgrades follow a major milestone in July 2025, when the airport's runway was extended to 2,850 meters, officially allowing wide-body aircraft to land and operate at the facility.

The initial phase, which laid the foundation for international operations, was completed in 2019 at a cost of USD 49 million (MVR 754 million). The subsequent phase, focused on runway and airfield lighting upgrades, was awarded to MTCC in 2022 for USD 27 million (MVR 415 million).