The practical work of expanding the terminal at Dharavandhoo Airport has officially commenced, with the project launched by Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen at a special ceremony held on the island.
The ceremony was attended by Parliamentarian for Hithadhoo Constituency Mohamed Sirhan, Managing Director of Island Aviation Services Limited (IASL) Ibrahim Iyas, Deputy Managing Director Ali Salim and other company officials.
During the event, the airport was formally handed over to Island Aviation Services Limited. 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 on behalf of the company.
The project will bring major upgrades to the airport terminal. According to Island Aviation, the development will cover a total area of 814 acres. Planned works include the expansion of the arrival hall, installation of check-in counters and arrival belts, as well as the addition of a café and a departure gate within the departure hall. The design and consultancy work has been carried out by Epoch Associates Pvt Ltd.
The new terminal is designed to reflect the Maldives’ underwater scenery, offering a distinctive visual experience. It will feature a spacious arrival hall, self-service kiosks and three boarding gates.
In addition, the terminal will be able to accommodate 175 passengers at a time and will include a lounge with seating for 75 people, along with a dedicated baby care facility. Upon completion, the airport will have the capacity to handle three aircraft simultaneously.
Speaking at the ceremony, IASL Managing Director Ibrahim Iyas described the project as a key development for Dharavandhoo and the wider province. He said the expansion represents an important step towards improving transport connectivity and supporting the President’s vision of strengthening the tourism sector.
The airport currently operates an average of eight flights per day. Iyas noted that more than 42,000 flights have landed at the airport to date, with approximately 1.8 million passengers having used its services.
“The expansion of services at the airport, which currently employs 99 staff, will be highly beneficial for the province, which has a population of over 10,000,” Iyas said.
The development of Dharavandhoo Airport forms part of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s presidential pledge. The President has stated that the expansion will benefit the entire atoll, as well as Dharavandhoo, while contributing to the broader Maldivian economy. He first announced the decision to hand over the project to Island Aviation during a visit to the island in August last year.
Dharavandhoo is located in a region with a high concentration of resorts, where local tourism continues to expand and passenger numbers are increasing. The airport’s development is therefore expected to provide a significant boost to tourism in the area.