Male’, Maldives, 24th January 2024 – Maafaru International Airport achieved a record-breaking milestone in private jet landings over the past year, with 353 arrivals in 2023, marking a notable increase from the 228 recorded in 2022, according to recent statistics from Island Aviation Service Ltd, the airport’s management company. Operating as an international airport since July 2019, Maafaru has emerged as a prominent gateway for affluent tourists, particularly from Europe and the Middle East. The airport hosted 1,934 tourists in the previous year, with peak arrival months noted in April and December.
Strategically situated in the Noonu Atoll, Maafaru International Airport serves as a key entry point for visitors heading to the region’s luxurious resorts. Currently hosting seven high-end resorts, plans for further expansion include the development of 13 additional islands dedicated to resort establishments. This expansion is anticipated to fuel increased demand for Maafaru Airport in the foreseeable future.
In alignment with the focus on accommodating commonly used private aviation aircraft such as the Airbus A320 and Boeing models, the Maldivian government has revealed plans to extend the airport’s runway by 650 meters, increasing its total length to 2,800 meters. This extension aims to facilitate a broader range of international flights, including larger aircraft like the Boeing 777, enhancing the airport’s capacity to cater to the growing influx of tourists.
The upsurge in private jet landings at Maafaru International Airport not only underscores the Maldives’ stature as a premier holiday destination but also reflects evolving trends in luxury travel. With enhanced accessibility and cutting-edge facilities, Maafaru is positioned to play a more significant role in the global tourism industry, attracting high-net-worth individuals in search of an exclusive and secluded vacation experience amidst the breathtaking Maldivian archipelago.
