The newly completed Muli Airport received its first flight yesterday.

Officially inaugurated on May 20 by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, the airport is operated by Regional Airports Company Limited. It is poised to play a pivotal role in enhancing connectivity and supporting the socio-economic advancement of Meemu Atoll.

In a statement released today, Regional Airports expressed its pride in the successful arrival of the inaugural scheduled flight, highlighting it as a major achievement in the airport’s operational timeline. The company also confirmed that regular commercial services will commence immediately, with weekly flights scheduled every Saturday. Departures from Velana International Airport in Malé will take place at 15:30, with return flights from Muli Airport set to depart at 16:45.

To mark the occasion, passengers aboard the first flight were presented with commemorative gifts, lending a festive spirit to this landmark event.

The airport’s first test flight was conducted earlier on 25th April, shortly after construction works were completed. 

In preparation for the commencement of commercial operations, Regional Airports has extended invitations to the nation’s primary domestic carriers Maldivian, Villa Air, and Manta Air to begin services to and from the new airport.

Muli Airport is equipped with a 1,500-metre-long and 30-metre-wide runway, purpose-built to handle domestic flights with a full suite of modern facilities. The construction project was carried out by the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), involving the dredging of 36 hectares of land. The project entailed an investment exceeding MVR 500 million.