Island Aviation Services has issued a fresh call for expressions of interest (EOI) to develop the terminal at Maafaru International Airport, marking the third time the project has been opened for bidding.

The new announcement, made by Island Aviation this week, invites both local and international firms to submit proposals on a contractor-financing basis. Interested parties must email their EOIs by 12:00 p.m. on April 17, 2025.

The terminal development plan includes the construction of a two-storey terminal spanning 900 square metres, with additional VIP lounges to accommodate the rising number of high-end travellers. Despite earlier calls in 2021 and February 2023, the contract has yet to be awarded.

Separately, the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) was awarded a US$27.1 million contract in December 2022 for the second phase of the airport’s expansion. That phase includes runway extension, coastal protection, taxiway widening, and infrastructure upgrades, aimed at allowing the airport to accommodate Boeing 777 aircraft.

Maafaru Airport, opened in December 2019 with funding from the Abu Dhabi Fund, was declared an international airport in July 2020. It currently serves as a key arrival point for private jets catering to luxury resorts in Noonu, Raa, Baa, and Lhaviyani atolls.