Fri, 26 Dec 2025
|DHIVEHI
Jet movements at Maafaru International Airport to reach 800 as peak season begins
26 Dec 2025
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Maafaru International Airport --- Photo: IASL
Jet movements at Maafaru International Airport are expected to reach around 800 by the end of the current peak tourist season.
The peak season has already begun, with more than 200 private jets having landed at the airport so far. Maafaru has historically recorded high private jet traffic during the peak season, and movements this year are expected to surpass previous levels following recent infrastructure upgrades.
Speaking to State media, Maafaru International Airport General Manager Mumthaz Ali said private jets have been arriving steadily since 20 December. He noted that daily jet movements are expected to increase to more than 25 flights from early next week.
Mumthaz said the airport’s aircraft parking capacity has doubled this year. While the airport previously accommodated up to 13 aircraft at a time, it can now park up to 30 jets simultaneously, allowing it to handle increased demand during the peak season.
Maafaru International Airport was upgraded and reopened in July 2025 with enhanced facilities. Last 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).
Maafaru International Airport also serves as a key gateway for tourists travelling to several high end resorts in the region, including Velaa Private Island, Soneva Jani, and Cheval Blanc Randheli.