Maafaru Airport Sets Record with 353 Private Jet Landings in 2023
Photo: MaafaruAirport
Maafaru International Airport recorded a notable surge in private jet landings, with 353 arrivals last year compared to 228 arrivals in 2022, according to Island Aviation Service Ltd.
Maafaru International Airport, which began operating as an international airport in July 2019, has become a gateway for affluent tourists, especially from Europe and the Middle East. Last year, the airport facilitated the arrival of 1,934 tourists, with April and December being the peak months for arrivals.
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The airport, strategically located in the Noonu Atoll, is a preferred entry point for visitors to the region’s opulent resorts. Currently, there are 7 high-end resorts in the atoll, with plans for further expansion, including the development of 13 additional islands dedicated to resort development. This expansion is expected to increase the demand for Maafaru Airport further in the coming years.
Maafaru’s strategic development has focused on accommodating the most commonly used aircraft in private aviation, including the Airbus A320 and Boeing models. In a bid to cater to an even broader range of international flights, the Maldivian government has announced plans to extend the airport’s runway by 650 meters, bringing its total length to 2,800 meters.
This expansion will enable the airport to accommodate larger aircraft, such as the Boeing 777, thus enhancing its capacity to serve the growing number of tourists.
The rise in private jet landings at Maafaru International Airport is not just a reflection of the Maldives’ status as a premier holiday destination but also indicates the changing trends in luxury travel.
With its increased accessibility and state-of-the-art facilities, Maafaru is poised to become an even more significant player in the global tourism industry, attracting high-net-worth individuals seeking an exclusive and secluded vacation experience in the stunning archipelago of the Maldives.
