Foreign travellers seeking to explore the pristine islands of Meemu Atoll will soon benefit from improved access, as Muli Airport is set to begin commercial operations in the near future. Regional Airports Limited has confirmed that the new domestic airport in Muli, the administrative capital of Meemu Atoll, will commence scheduled flights after receiving final regulatory approval from the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority.
On April 25, a Dash-8 aircraft operated by national carrier Maldivian conducted a successful test flight to Muli Airport. This was part of the standard procedures required to verify operational readiness prior to launching commercial services. Following the test landing, the Civil Aviation Authority began its final assessments to ensure all safety and operational standards are met before officially issuing the airport’s operating license.
According to Regional Airports Managing Director Ahmed Mubeen, the airport was originally planned to open on May 1, 2025. However, the launch has been slightly delayed to align with the availability of commercial flight schedules. “The physical infrastructure of the airport has been completed,” he stated. “Only minor works remain, and we are actively coordinating with airline operators to determine a suitable date to begin flight services.”
A meeting between Regional Airports Limited and officials from Maldivian is scheduled for Sunday to finalize service details. The full initiation of airport operations is anticipated to take between 15 to 20 days.
Muli Airport, which sits on 36 hectares of reclaimed land, features a 1,500-metre runway designed to accommodate domestic aircraft. The development project, which began in 2021, was undertaken by the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) at a cost exceeding MVR 300 million. Once operational, the airport is expected to enhance connectivity to the central atolls, reduce travel time, and open up new possibilities for tourism in Meemu Atoll, a region celebrated for its tranquil beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and traditional island culture.
The addition of Muli Airport marks another step in the Maldives’ ongoing efforts to strengthen regional air travel infrastructure, making it easier for international visitors to reach lesser-known islands while supporting economic growth and tourism in remote communities.
advertisment
advertisment
