Maafaru International Airport is set for a major capacity and service boost with a USD 3.6 million terminal expansion contract awarded to Chinese construction firm Hunan No. 6 Engineering. The project will strengthen the airport’s role as a key gateway for holidaymakers and local travellers, enhancing comfort and efficiency for passengers flying to and from one of the country’s most sought-after resort regions.
Island Aviation Services (IAS), the operator of the national airline, Maldivian, and the managing entity of Maafaru International Airport confirmed that the agreement was formalised at a ceremony held on Thursday. The contract was signed by IAS Managing Director Ibrahim Iyas and Wang He, the legal representative of Hunan No. 6 Engineering. Under the agreement, the contractor will build a new two-storey structure adjacent to the current terminal, with construction required to be completed within 10 months.
Once the project is finished, the combined terminal complex will offer 12,476 square feet of space, substantially increasing the operational footprint of the airport. The expanded area is designed to improve passenger flow, ease crowding during peak travel periods, and provide a more relaxed airport experience for both local residents and international tourists heading to nearby island destinations.
The development includes a series of targeted service enhancements. The existing arrival hall will be extended to create more room for immigration, baggage claim and passenger circulation, directly benefiting visitors after long-haul journeys. The baggage handling belt will be upgraded and extended to support smoother, faster luggage delivery, reducing waiting times and enhancing overall comfort from the moment passengers step off the aircraft.
In addition, the new building will introduce a range of premium facilities aimed at travellers seeking added privacy and comfort. Four CIP (Commercially Important Person) lounges will be located on the ground floor, catering to high-value guests, group travellers, and passengers requiring dedicated services. On the first floor, a spacious lounge with a capacity for 60 people will offer a calm environment for passengers to relax, refresh, or catch up on work before their onward journeys.
IAS has highlighted that the expansion closely aligns with the government’s policy to strengthen regional connectivity and support the continued growth of the tourism sector. By improving terminal capacity and service quality, the Maafaru upgrade is expected to provide greater convenience for passengers and contribute meaningfully to the visitor experience, supporting resort operators and tourism businesses across the surrounding atolls.
The terminal expansion also forms part of a broader long-term development vision for the airport. IAS has confirmed that a comprehensive master plan for the continued growth of Maafaru International Airport is currently being prepared. This plan is expected to outline additional projects that reflect President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s vision to transform Maafaru into a full-service aviation hub. Among the ideas under consideration is the development of an airport hotel nearby, which would further enhance the destination’s appeal for transit passengers and tourists seeking seamless travel connections.
Maafaru International Airport has been playing an important role in regional air connectivity since the start of commercial operations on 1 December 2019, following completion of its first phase of development. That initial phase delivered a 2,200-metre runway capable of handling larger aircraft, the original passenger terminal, a dedicated VIP lounge, and essential operational infrastructure, including an air traffic control tower and a fire and rescue station.
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