Maafaru International Airport is set to undergo a major infrastructure upgrade following the awarding of a USD 3.6 million contract for terminal expansion to the Chinese company Hunan No. 6 Engineering.
Island Aviation Services (IAS), the operator of the national airline, Maldivian and the managing entity for the Maafaru Airport, confirmed the deal, which aims to significantly enhance passenger services and capacity at the strategically important airport.
The agreement, formalised at a ceremony on Thursday, was signed by IAS Managing Director Ibrahim Iyas and Wang He, the legal representative for Hunan No. 6. The project stipulates the construction of a two-storey building adjacent to the existing terminal, which is mandated to be completed within 10 months.
The new facility will substantially increase the operational footprint of the airport. Upon completion, the combined structure will provide a total terminal space of 12,476 square feet, designed to improve the flow and convenience for both local passengers and foreign tourists.
The expansion plan details several key service improvements - the existing arrival hall will be expanded, and the baggage handling belt will be upgraded and extended. Additionally, the new building will introduce premium facilities, including four CIP (Commercially Important Person) lounges on the ground floor, and a spacious 60-person capacity lounge established on the first floor.
IAS emphasised that this development aligns with the government’s policy to enhance regional connectivity adding that the Maafaru airport expansion will provide a great deal of convenience to passengers and contribute significantly to the tourism industry.
The Maafaru airport terminal expansion marks a key step in a broader long-term strategy. IAS confirmed that a comprehensive master plan for the continuing development of Maafaru is currently being prepared. This plan is expected to include additional projects that align with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s vision to transform the airport into a comprehensive hub, potentially including the construction of an adjacent airport hotel.
The Maafaru International Airport, which has been operational since commercial flights began on 1 December 2019, after the completion of its first phase of development. That initial phase saw the construction of a 2,200-metre runway, the original passenger terminal, a VIP lounge, and essential infrastructure including a control tower and fire and rescue station.