A new customs office has been developed and officially inaugurated at Maafaru International Airport, strengthening customs services in the northern Maldives.

The customs office was inaugurated by Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusaan, accompanied by Manadhoo Constituency Member of Parliament Husnee Mubarak and Commissioner General of Customs Fathimath Dhiyana.

The newly opened customs office is a 6,557-square-foot facility constructed at a cost of MVR 8.66 million. The office has the capacity to accommodate 20 customs officers and includes residential facilities for up to 25 officers.

The Maafaru Customs Office will handle international flights, passengers, and the clearance of imported and exported goods. Maldives Customs said the new facility is expected to significantly improve service delivery at the airport.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Ihusaan said the opening of the customs office is closely linked to the development of Maafaru and surrounding areas. He noted that the initiative is part of the Government’s efforts to bring essential customs services closer to residents and businesses in the region.

The Minister added that with the opening of the office, additional services will be introduced, including export and import declaration processing and other services that were previously handled only in Malé. He also said customs officers stationed at Maafaru will ensure that goods sold by businesses comply with Maldivian laws and regulations.

Minister Ihusaan said that when the current Government took office, only around 30 per cent of the foundation works for the customs office had been completed. He described the Maafaru Customs Office as one of the priority projects of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, reflecting the President’s commitment to regional development, including improvements to customs services and infrastructure in Maafaru. The Minister expressed his gratitude to the President for prioritising the project.

Maafaru International Airport was upgraded and reopened in July 2025 with enhanced facilities. Earlier this week, the airport inaugurated its apron extension and held a groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion of its terminal building.

The airport has become an increasingly important hub for private aviation in the Maldives. In 2024, Maafaru recorded 98 private jet movements, making it the second-busiest airport for private jets after Velana International Airport (VIA).