A major development project is set to begin at Dharavandhoo Airport in Baa Atoll, with local firm Epoch Associates Pvt Ltd awarded the contract for design and consultancy services to expand and modernise the airport terminal. The agreement was signed between Island Aviation Services Limited (IASL) and Epoch Associates, with IASL Managing Director Ibrahim Iyas and Epoch Associates Managing Director Muaviyath Abdul Sattar representing their respective organisations. The project is part of efforts to deliver on the presidential pledge to upgrade regional aviation infrastructure and enhance connectivity to key tourism hubs across the Maldives.
According to IASL Deputy Managing Director Ali Saleem, the design phase of the project is expected to be completed within 45 days, after which physical construction work will commence. The development plan includes a comprehensive upgrade of passenger facilities: expansion of the arrivals hall, installation of new check-in counters and baggage handling belts, the addition of a café in the departure area and the construction of an additional departure gate. The existing terminal building will also be fully renovated, with the overall development covering approximately 814 square metres. Saleem highlighted that these changes are expected to significantly improve passenger experience and operational efficiency, bringing the airport closer to international standards.
Dharavandhoo Airport serves as a critical gateway to Baa Atoll, one of the Maldives’ most sought-after luxury tourism regions, home to renowned resorts and an expanding guesthouse segment. The airport’s upgrade is expected to deliver tangible benefits to resort and guesthouse operators by offering smoother transfers, reduced congestion and a more premium arrival and departure experience that aligns with the expectations of high-end travellers. A larger arrivals hall and enhanced baggage handling capacity will support quicker processing of guests during peak check-in and check-out times, while the additional departure gate and new café will help create a more comfortable and convenient environment for departing visitors. These improvements strengthen the value proposition of Baa Atoll resorts, which rely heavily on reliable and efficient domestic aviation links to deliver seamless journeys from Malé to the property.
Operational for 14 years, Dharavandhoo Airport has recorded a substantial increase in passenger traffic, driven largely by the steady growth of tourism in Baa Atoll. As more resorts expand their offerings and more guesthouses open on local islands, passenger volumes have risen to a level where terminal expansion has become essential for sustainable growth. By investing in modern infrastructure and passenger-centric facilities, the project is expected to support long-term tourism development, stimulate local employment opportunities and contribute positively to the wider economy of Baa Atoll. For the resorts and tourism businesses that depend on Dharavandhoo as their primary aviation hub, the terminal upgrade is anticipated to enhance competitiveness, improve guest satisfaction and reinforce Baa Atoll’s position as a premier destination in the Maldives.
advertisment
advertisment
