Dharavandhoo Airport Terminal Expansion Project Launched

The project to expand and modernise the terminal at Dharavandhoo Airport has been officially launched, marking the first major upgrade to the facility in over a decade.

The launch took place yesterday alongside the signing of an agreement transferring operational responsibility of the airport to Island Aviation Services Ltd. The agreement was signed by the Transport Ministry on behalf of the government and by the company’s managing director.

With the handover, Island Aviation Services Ltd assumes full responsibility as both the airport operator and the airline serving Dharavandhoo, a move aimed at streamlining operations and enhancing overall passenger experience.

The project will see the terminal expanded from 959 square metres to 1,874 square metres, with improvements designed to reduce processing times for arrivals, departures, check-in and baggage handling. The airport currently handles more than eight daily flights, connecting resorts, inhabited islands and guesthouses within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

The upgraded terminal will focus on passenger comfort and efficiency, featuring sheltered waiting areas inspired by Maldivian marine life, an enlarged arrivals hall and conveyor belt systems for faster baggage delivery. Passenger handling capacity is expected to increase from 80 to 175, supported by self-check-in kiosks, an expanded departure hall and upgraded security infrastructure.

Additional enhancements include a larger baggage boxing area, dedicated spaces for children and waiting areas designed to maximise natural lighting.

The development is expected to strengthen domestic aviation services and improve connectivity to tourism destinations in the region, while enhancing service standards for travellers.

Concerns over the condition of Dharavandhoo Airport have been raised in recent years. In 2023, the local council highlighted that the airport had not undergone significant development for over a decade, despite being one of the busiest domestic airports in the country, with outdated facilities reportedly affecting the travel experience of tourists visiting Baa Atoll.