The first test flight has landed at the newly developed Hoarafushi Airport in Haa Alifu Atoll.
The test flight landed at Hoarafushi Airport at approximately 0915hrs on November 16. The test flight carried the technical team active in commencing operations at the airport.
A large number of people from Hoarafushi gathered at the new airport to welcome the test flight. Following the landing of the test flight, the airport is set to be inaugurated on November 17.
Development of Hoarafushi Airport was contracted to Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) in early 2019. Dredging and reclamation of 842,200 cubic metres of land required for the airport was commenced in April 2019 and completed in August 2019. Construction of 1,120 metres of revetment as shore protection around the airport was completed in March 2020. The project also included construction of a 1,200 metre runway, an 8,635 square-metre apron and taxiway, service roads, a 9,473 square-metre parking area, a 1,718 square-metre of fire access roads and 720 metres of airport security and beach fence area, as well as a passenger terminal and fire building.
Upon inauguration, Hoarafushi Airport will become the northernmost airport in the Maldives.