The busiest domestic airport, B. Dharavandhoo Airport, has been handed over to Island Aviation, and preparations are underway to begin work on expanding the airport's terminal.
At a special ceremony held today at the Dharavandhoo Airport area, the agreement to hand over the airport to Island Aviation was signed by Ahmed Shameem, Director General of the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation. Managing Director Ibrahim Iyas took over the airport on behalf of Island Aviation, which operates the national airline, Maldivian.
With this change, Island Aviation will handle the operation of Dharavandhoo Airport and provide airline services there.
While the decision has been made to expand the terminal at Dharavandhoo Airport, Island Aviation stated that this project, which will develop the airport and offer passengers a completely new experience in Baa Atoll, is a government-led initiative to strengthen the aviation sector.
According to Island Aviation, this project will double the size of the airport terminal from 959 square feet to 1,874 feet. The company noted that this will facilitate the management of passengers arriving, departing, checking in, and those active in the baggage processing zone.
The new terminal at Dharavandhoo Airport is being built with architecture designed to appeal to those interested in the beauty of the underwater world.
A waiting area is planned for the outside of the terminal, and the arrival area will also be expanded. Additionally, a baggage conveyor belt will be installed, and the arrival area is designed to be a place where passengers can move with ease.
Island Aviation stated that along with expanding the check-in area under this project, self-check-in kiosks will be set up to reduce queues and arrange facilities for passengers to travel conveniently.
The company said the departure hall would be enlarged, and an open, spacious pre-boarding area would be established to allow in natural light. Along with this upgrade, modern security screening and three boarding gates will be installed. It was also noted that the capacity to serve passengers simultaneously will increase from 80 to over 175.
A brand-new executive lounge is also set to be established at Dharavandhoo Airport as a place where passengers can relax before departure. The lounge will be designed with 75 seats, including a premium seating zone for privacy and comfort.
Regarding the project, Island Aviation MD Iyas stated that with the expansion of the terminal and the new executive lounge, passengers would receive the hospitality and service they expect.
"Developing the Dharavandhoo Airport terminal is a project initiated to strengthen aviation and raise the service standards for those traveling to Baa Atoll. With the expansion of the terminal and the executive lounge being developed there, connectivity will be strengthened, and the level of hospitality, service quality, and reliability expected by passengers can be maintained," he said.
Currently, more than 8 flights land at Dharavandhoo Airport every day. Many people traveling to spend holidays at the region's resorts and guesthouses travel on these flights.
Opened 14 years ago on October 17, 2012, Dharavandhoo Domestic Airport was built by Coastline Hotels and Resorts.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu announced the decision to appoint Island Aviation as operator of Dharavandhoo Domestic Airport during a meeting held with the island's residents in August last year.
In December last year, Island Aviation signed an agreement with a private company to obtain design and consultancy services to expand the Dharavandhoo Airport terminal and raise its service standards.
Island Aviation has stated that since Dharavandhoo Airport is the main gateway for tourism in Baa Atoll and is a busy domestic airport used by many for general transport, raising the quality of service provided there is a necessity.
