Since its inauguration in 2019 and the launch of international operations in July 2020, Maafaru International Airport has become a pivotal part of the Maldives’ aviation infrastructure, according to Ibrahim Iyas, Managing Director of Island Aviation Services Ltd. (IASL). Recognised as the nation’s second busiest airport for international flight traffic, it plays a vital role in supporting the Maldives’ luxury tourism sector.
Operated by IASL, the facility has catered to over 250,000 passengers and handled more than 9,000 flights to date, according to Iyas. “Accordingly, from December 2019 to June of this year, more than 3,000 international flights have been operated to this airport. And in total, more than 9,000 flights and more than 250,000 passengers have been served by this airport,” Iyas stated. Its proximity to the luxury resorts of Noonu, Raa, and Baa Atolls has made the airport a preferred arrival point for private jet travellers, reinforcing its specialised function within the country’s tourism infrastructure.
In 2022, Maafaru advanced its capabilities with a runway expansion funded by the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development. The extension, from 2,200 metres to 2,850 metres, now allows the airport to accommodate popular aircraft models such as the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737, a development viewed as essential to supporting sustained growth.
The airport's expanding role has also brought tangible economic benefits. According to Iyas, more than 70 employment opportunities have been created within the region, underscoring its impact beyond aviation. IASL’s commitment to upholding international standards remains central to Maafaru Airport’s operational strategy, with Iyas reiterating ongoing efforts to strengthen the airport’s infrastructure and services in line with its broader aim to serve as a leading aviation node in the Indian Ocean.