Maldivian's fuel farm at Maafaru becomes operational

The fuel farm with the capacity of storing 400,000 liters of fuel in Noonu atoll Maafaru International Airport was officially inaugured on Tuesday, October 17.

This marks the first fuel farm developed by Island Aviation Services which operates the national airline Maldivian.

Island Aviation hosted a special ceremony on Tuesday afternoon to inaugurate the fuel farm.

Island Aviation's Managing Director, Mohamed Mihad, and Mufaddil Idris, the CEO and Managing Director of the fuel farm project's financier, Maldives Islamic Bank (MIB), attended the ceremony.

With the opening of the fuel farm, Island Aviation stated that the airport's services would expand, including an increase in flight landings.

Mihad highlighted that the airport, which currently attracts 700 flights annually, is expected to double with the commencement of the fuel farm.

"International aviation operations will increase in the prospective future which will benefit the neighboring atolls as well," he said.

Details of the Fuel Farm

- Storage Capacity: 400,000 liters of jet fuel

- Fuel supply equipment to refuel jets

- Two refueling bowsers hold capacities of 35,000 liters in one and 20,000 liters in the second

- Fuel farm operations will adhere to international best practices in safety and security measures

Maafaru International Airport attracts one of the highest number of private jet landings, with over 400 jet landings reported in 2022.

The airport developed at a cost of USD 60 million funded by the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) was opened in 2019.

The airport features a runway of 2,200 meters in length and has the capacity for larger commercial carriers, including Airbus A320s and Boeing 737s, to land.

The second phase of the airport's expansion began earlier in 2023. This phase includes terminal expansion to accommodate 300 passengers simultaneously, compared to the current capacity of 100 passengers. Additionally, the airport's runway will be extended by another 650 meters.

The Maafaru International Airport is situated close to several high-profile tourist resorts that include properties such Velaa Private Island and Soneva Jani Randheli Resort.