Tourism Growth Expected from New Maldives Runway – Booming Business Ahead

Velana International Airport in the Maldives unveiled its new 3.4km Code-F runway on October 6th, designed to accommodate the world’s largest commercial aircraft, including the Airbus A380. The $1 billion development project, initiated in 2018, aimed to modernize the airport for the growing tourism sector. The former runway has been repurposed as a parallel taxiway, contributing to smoother operations and increased capacity. With the Maldives boasting the world’s largest seaplane operation, connecting the airport to resorts across its 26 atolls, the project also encompasses a passenger terminal, fuel farm, cargo facility, and a VIP/CIP building.

The $1 billion project, initiated in 2018, addresses the growing demands of modern tourism, positioning the airport to efficiently handle the anticipated increase in passenger numbers. The new runway, officially opened on October 6th, is designed to accommodate the world’s largest commercial aircraft, such as the Airbus A380. This would allow more visitors to such Maldives resorts as the luxurious Kandolhu Maldives.