The project to expand the terminal of Baa Dharavandhoo Airport has officially commenced, with a ceremony held to mark the start of development works.

The project was inaugurated by Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen, while operations of the airport were officially handed over to Island Aviation Services Limited during the ceremony, attended by senior Government and company officials.

Under the project, approximately 814 square metres of additional space will be developed, including expansion of the arrival hall, check-in areas and baggage handling facilities, alongside the addition of a café and improvements to departure facilities, with design and consultancy work carried out by Epoch Associates.

The upgraded terminal will include modern features such as self-service kiosks, three departure gates and a passenger capacity of 175 at a time, as well as a lounge accommodating 75 passengers and a baby care facility, with the design reflecting the Maldives’ underwater environment.

Dharavandhoo Airport currently handles an average of eight flights daily and has facilitated over 42,000 flights and 1.8 million passengers since its opening, with the expansion expected to support tourism growth in Baa Atoll, which hosts 16 resorts and 79 guesthouses, while also contributing to employment opportunities and broader economic development.