Construction work on the expansion of the terminal at Dharavandhoo Airport has officially begun following a launch ceremony led by Mohamed Ameen Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation on the island.

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The event was attended by Mohamed Sirhan Member of Parliament for Hithadhoo Constituency along with senior representatives from Island Aviation Services Limited including Managing Director Ibrahim Iyas and Deputy Managing Director Ali Salim. During the ceremony the airport was officially transferred to Island Aviation Services Limited with the agreement signed by Ahmed Shamim on behalf of the government and Ibrahim Iyas on behalf of the company.

The expansion will introduce major upgrades across the terminal with development covering a large area. Planned improvements include a larger arrival hall new check in counters baggage handling systems a café and an upgraded departure area with a dedicated boarding gate. The design and consultancy work for the project has been completed by Epoch Associates Pvt Ltd.

The terminal is being designed with inspiration from the Maldives underwater environment creating a distinctive visual identity. It will feature an expanded arrival space self service kiosks and three boarding gates to support passenger flow.

Once completed the facility will be able to accommodate 175 passengers at a time and will include a lounge with seating for 75 guests as well as a dedicated baby care room. The upgraded airport will also be capable of handling three aircraft at once.

Speaking at the ceremony Ibrahim Iyas described the project as an important step for Dharavandhoo and the surrounding region. He noted that the development will improve transport connectivity and support the continued growth of the tourism sector.

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The airport currently manages an average of eight daily flights and has recorded more than 42000 landings with around 1.8 million passengers served to date. With a workforce of 99 employees the expansion is expected to bring further benefits to the province which is home to a population exceeding 10000 people.

Located in a region with a strong concentration of resorts Dharavandhoo continues to see growth in local tourism and rising passenger demand. The expansion of the airport is expected to further strengthen connectivity and support the area’s tourism development.