Maafaru International Airport has become the sixth airport in the Maldives to operate a manual weather station, a development expected to improve the accuracy and timeliness of weather information provided to airlines and pilots using the airport.

The Maldives Meteorological Service (MET Office) said the new facility strengthens weather monitoring at one of the country's busiest airports for private jet operations and enhances the delivery of aviation weather services.

Until now, weather information for Maafaru International Airport was supported through the automatic weather station located at the airport and the nearest manual weather station at Hanimaadhoo Airport. Airlines operating to and from Maafaru relied on data collected from both facilities.

The MET Office said the aviation sector requires regular weather observations and updates from airports, including timely information on changing weather conditions that could affect flight operations. The addition of a dedicated manual weather station at Maafaru is expected to improve the accuracy of forecasts and observations for the area.

With the commissioning of the facility, the Maldives now has six manual weather stations located in Hanimaadhoo, Maafaru, Kadhdhoo, Kaadedhdhoo, Gan and Hulhulé.

In addition to supporting aviation operations, the MET Office provides weather forecasts and warnings for fishermen, seafarers and the wider public, while monitoring weather conditions across the country around the clock.