First Wide-Body Boeing 777 Lands at Maafaru International Airport as Part of Certification Process

Maafaru International Airport has achieved a major milestone with the landing of its first wide-body aircraft, a Boeing 777, marking a crucial step in its certification process and reinforcing its role as a key aviation hub in the Maldives.

The arrival of the Boeing 777 is part of an ongoing certification process to assess the airport's capability to handle wide-body aircraft. This includes:

• Runway capacity testing to ensure safe landings and takeoffs

• Ground handling assessments for refueling, passenger services, and cargo operations

• Navigation and air traffic control evaluations to meet aviation standards

  
  

With this certification, Maafaru International Airport is preparing to accommodate long-haul international flights on wide-body aircraft, further strengthening its position in the Maldives' aviation network.

Maafaru International Airport, located in Noonu Atoll, has undergone extensive upgrades to accommodate wide-body aircraft and improve operational efficiency.

One of the key developments is the runway expansion from 2.2 km to 2.8 km, allowing the airport to handle larger aircraft such as the Boeing 777 and Airbus A330.

Additionally, the apron capacity has been significantly increased, with parking space expanded from 13 to 26 jets, a project managed by the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC).

Originally inaugurated in 2019, Maafaru International Airport temporarily suspended international operations in May 2024 to carry out these upgrades. With the completion of these enhancements, the airport has now resumed flights, reinforcing its strategic role in the Maldives' aviation network.

The airport was initially developed to support luxury tourism, providing direct access to high-end resorts across Noonu, Raa, and Baa Atolls. However, its expanded infrastructure now positions it as a key aviation hub, set to enhance connectivity by enabling direct flights from Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

This improved accessibility is expected to boost tourism, reducing travel time for international visitors and facilitating seamless connections. Additionally, the airport is anticipated to support economic growth by increasing passenger and cargo traffic, driving investment in the region.