Practical work on the expansion of the terminal at Dharavandhoo Airport has officially commenced, with the project launched at a ceremony attended by senior government and aviation officials.
The project was inaugurated by Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen, who presided over the event held on the island. Among those in attendance were Hithadhoo Constituency Member of Parliament Mohamed Sirhan, as well as senior officials from Island Aviation Services Limited (IASL), including Managing Director Ibrahim Iyas and Deputy Managing Director Ali Salim.
As part of the ceremony, the airport was formally handed over to IASL for development and operation. The agreement was signed on behalf of the government by Director General of the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation Ahmed Shamim, while IASL Managing Director Ibrahim Iyas signed for the company.
According to IASL, the expansion will introduce a range of upgrades aimed at improving passenger experience and operational capacity. The development is set to cover a total area of approximately 814 acres.
Planned improvements include:
- Expansion of the arrival hall
- Installation of check-in counters and baggage belts
- Addition of a café and a dedicated departure gate
- Introduction of self-service kiosks and three boarding gates
The terminal’s design, prepared by Epoch Associates Pvt Ltd, is inspired by the Maldives’ underwater environment, aiming to provide a unique visual experience for travellers.
Once completed, the terminal will be able to accommodate 175 passengers at a time, with a lounge seating 75 people and a dedicated baby care facility. The upgraded airport will also have the capacity to handle three aircraft simultaneously.
Speaking at the event, IASL Managing Director Ibrahim Iyas described the expansion as a significant step for Dharavandhoo and the surrounding region. He said the project will enhance transport connectivity and support the government’s broader efforts to strengthen the tourism sector.
The airport currently handles an average of eight flights per day. To date, more than 42,000 flights have operated at Dharavandhoo Airport, serving approximately 1.8 million passengers.
Iyas noted that the expansion is expected to benefit the local community, with the airport currently employing 99 staff and serving a regional population of over 10,000.
The development forms part of President Mohamed Muizzu’s infrastructure commitments. The President has previously stated that the project will benefit the wider atoll and contribute to national economic growth. He first announced the decision to assign the project to IASL during a visit to Dharavandhoo in August last year.
Located in a region with a high concentration of resorts, Dharavandhoo has seen growing passenger demand alongside the expansion of local tourism. Officials say the upgraded airport is expected to play a key role in supporting this growth and improving access to the area.
Practical work on the expansion of the terminal at Dharavandhoo Airport has officially commenced, with the project launched at a ceremony attended by senior government and aviation officials.
The project was inaugurated by Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen, who presided over the event held on the island. Among those in attendance were Hithadhoo Constituency Member of Parliament Mohamed Sirhan, as well as senior officials from Island Aviation Services Limited (IASL), including Managing Director Ibrahim Iyas and Deputy Managing Director Ali Salim.
As part of the ceremony, the airport was formally handed over to IASL for development and operation. The agreement was signed on behalf of the government by Director General of the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation Ahmed Shamim, while IASL Managing Director Ibrahim Iyas signed for the company.
According to IASL, the expansion will introduce a range of upgrades aimed at improving passenger experience and operational capacity. The development is set to cover a total area of approximately 814 acres.
Planned improvements include:
- Expansion of the arrival hall
- Installation of check-in counters and baggage belts
- Addition of a café and a dedicated departure gate
- Introduction of self-service kiosks and three boarding gates
The terminal’s design, prepared by Epoch Associates Pvt Ltd, is inspired by the Maldives’ underwater environment, aiming to provide a unique visual experience for travellers.
Once completed, the terminal will be able to accommodate 175 passengers at a time, with a lounge seating 75 people and a dedicated baby care facility. The upgraded airport will also have the capacity to handle three aircraft simultaneously.
Speaking at the event, IASL Managing Director Ibrahim Iyas described the expansion as a significant step for Dharavandhoo and the surrounding region. He said the project will enhance transport connectivity and support the government’s broader efforts to strengthen the tourism sector.
The airport currently handles an average of eight flights per day. To date, more than 42,000 flights have operated at Dharavandhoo Airport, serving approximately 1.8 million passengers.
Iyas noted that the expansion is expected to benefit the local community, with the airport currently employing 99 staff and serving a regional population of over 10,000.
The development forms part of President Mohamed Muizzu’s infrastructure commitments. The President has previously stated that the project will benefit the wider atoll and contribute to national economic growth. He first announced the decision to assign the project to IASL during a visit to Dharavandhoo in August last year.
Located in a region with a high concentration of resorts, Dharavandhoo has seen growing passenger demand alongside the expansion of local tourism. Officials say the upgraded airport is expected to play a key role in supporting this growth and improving access to the area.