Mason Works EditorialMaafaru International Airport, the Maldives’ fourth international gateway, has officially commenced operations, marking a significant milestone in the country’s aviation and tourism development. The much-anticipated opening took place on 8 July 2025 evening, beginning with the arrival of the inaugural flight — Maldivian’s A330-200 wide-body aircraft — followed by a formal ceremony held later in the evening.
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Photo Credits: Ministry of Economic Development and Trade
The event was graced by the Minister of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure, Dr. Abdulla Muththalib, and the Minister of Economic Development and Trade, H.E. Mr. Mohamed Saeed, who served as Chief Guest of the ceremony. Also in attendance were H.E. Mr. Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), and H.E. Sheikh Rahma Bin Abdul Rahman Bin Rahma Al Shamsi, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to the Maldives.
Photo Credits: Ministry of Economic Development and Trade
The event also saw the presence of several high-ranking government officials, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Dr. Abdulla Khaleel; Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources, H.E. Mr. Ahmed Shiyam; and the Minister of Tourism and Environment, H.E. Mr. Thoriq Ibrahim — underscoring the national significance of the project.
Photo Credits: Ministry of Construction, Housing & Infrastructure
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The airport, located in the northern Noonu Atoll, was developed with generous financial assistance from the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) and executed by Tuff Infrastructure Pvt Ltd. The project was completed in two phases and is now fully managed and maintained by Maldivian, the national airline.
Maafaru’s runway stretches 2,200 metres in length and 40 metres in width, making it fully equipped to accommodate Airbus A320s and Boeing 737s. The national carrier also announced its initial commercial fares to the new airport, with one-way tickets starting at MVR 750.
With operations now underway, Maafaru International Airport is expected to significantly enhance accessibility to northern Maldives, boosting tourism and economic activity in the region.
