A private company has been contracted to undertake the design and consultancy work for the development of the terminal at Dharavandhoo Airport.

The contract was been awarded to Epoch Associates Private Limited, with the agreement signed by Island Aviation Managing Director Ibrahim Iyas and Epoch Associates Managing Director Muaviyyath Abdul Sattar. Deputy Managing Director of Island Aviation, Ali Saleem, said the design and concept work for the terminal is being carried out by Epoch Associates and is expected to be completed within 45 days, after which construction work will commence.

Saleem stated that the terminal development will include the expansion of the arrival hall, the installation of check-in and arrival belts, the addition of café space in the departure hall and the construction of a new departure gate. The project will introduce significant upgrades to the existing terminal, increasing the total building area to 814 square metres.

He added that the upgraded airport would bring substantial economic benefits to Baa Atoll by enhancing service standards to levels comparable with international airports. According to Saleem, improved facilities and higher-quality services are expected to attract more tourists to the atoll, thereby supporting the growth of regional tourism.

The development of Dharavandhoo Airport was an electoral pledge of the President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, who announced during a visit to the island in August that the project would be handed over to Island Aviation. Dharavandhoo Airport, which was developed 14 years ago, plays a vital role in supporting tourism in Baa Atoll, where resort development and local tourism have expanded rapidly in recent years.