Island Aviation Services Limited (IASL), operator of the national airline Maldivian, has commenced construction of its new headquarters in Malé, bringing to a close a 25-year wait for a unified base of operations. The groundbreaking ceremony, held on the company’s ‘Raaverige’ plot in Maafannu Ward, marks a pivotal moment in its efforts to streamline operations and reduce overhead.
The 12-storey office complex is scheduled for completion by December 2026. It will occupy the intersection of Majeedhee Magu and Boduthakurufaanu Magu, the site of IASL’s former head office. Senior government officials and company executives gathered to inaugurate the project, which IASL described as a “special day” in its history.
Among those in attendance were Mohamed Ameen, Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation; Dr Abdulla Muththalib, Minister of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure; Abdul Matheen Mohamed, Managing Director of Malé Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC); Ibrahim Ilyas, Managing Director of IASL; Ali Saleem, Deputy Managing Director; and members of the company’s board. Employees also participated, formally initiating the physical phase of construction.
The new facility is intended to consolidate IASL’s departments, which are currently spread across five separate buildings in Malé, with additional units operating from the airport. The company cited significant rental costs as a key concern, noting that centralising operations under one roof would yield substantial financial relief.
Plans for the building include a basement level designated for employee parking and a first floor housing a ticketing office. Upper levels will accommodate administrative and operational functions. The structure will span 4,745 square feet and is envisioned as a modern, spacious facility equipped with contemporary amenities.
Construction has been awarded to Hunan Number 6 Engineering Company of China. IASL expressed confidence that the new headquarters will enhance service delivery and strengthen its organisational capabilities.