Maldives expresses gratitude to UAE as expanded Maafaru runway opens
Maldives has extended heartfelt gratitude to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) following the official opening of the expanded Code E runway at Maafaru International Airport, a project described as a symbol of shared ambition, progress, and enduring partnership.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Minister of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure Dr. Abdulla Muththalib said the airport goes beyond physical infrastructure and embodies the strong and growing relationship between the Maldives and the UAE.
This airport stands as a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when vision meets determination. It’s more than concrete runways and terminals; it’s a symbol of progress, opportunity, and connection
Dr. Muththalib said.
I wish to convey on behalf of the government and the people of the Maldives our deepest gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the United Arab Emirates; the government and the people of the UAE; and the Director General of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development for their enormous contribution
he added.
The event was attended by key Cabinet members including Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed, Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam, Tourism and Environment Minister Thoriq Ibrahim, Foreign Minister Dr. Abdulla Khaleel, and IASL Managing Director Ibrahim Iyas.
The expansion project was carried out with the support of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), which invested USD 49 million in the first phase, establishing a 2,200-metre runway and an additional USD 27 million in the second phase, extending the runway by 650 metres to accommodate wide-body Code E aircraft.
The upgraded runway was inaugurated with the landing of a Maldivian A330, marking the first wide-body aircraft to touch down at the airport.
An Emirates Boeing 777 has also landed as part of the certification process.
Mr. Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of ADFD, echoed the significance of the project during his remarks at the ceremony:
This airport stands as a testament to our joint ambition to strengthen the Maldives connectivity, boost tourism, facilitate trade, and, at the same time, create job opportunities not only on this island but across the Maldives and fostering greater prosperity for its people
Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi stated
The Maafaru expansion is expected to significantly enhance the Maldives’ aviation capacity and economic connectivity, particularly in the northern atolls, while strengthening the nation's engagement with global partners like the UAE.
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