Aviation / Maldives

Major upgrades gear airport for new heights

Gulf investors solidify their legacy by modernizing the maldives' international airport.

Major upgrades gear airport for new heights

The Maldives’ Ibrahim Nasir International Airport (INIA), the main gateway to the Indian Ocean nation, is slated to receive over $800 million in upgrades over the next three years in preparation to meet President Yameen’s goal of handling 7.5 million visitors. Several Arab funds are set to play a central role in the overhaul.

The development of the airport’s new international passenger terminal is being spearheaded by Gulf funding agencies whose support is immense. “Gulf investors have helped develop this airport to what it is today,” says Managing Director of the Maldives Airport Company Limited (MACL). “Because of this legacy, the Maldivian government and MACL have close relationships with these countries. It is very possible that more funds from Arab nations will be arranged,” he adds.

The airport overhaul will reduce congestion, while allowing for greater expansion of airlines serving INIA thanks to a re-engineered runway capable of landing Airbus A380s. The world’s top six airlines (according to SkyTrax), namely Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific Airways, Turkish Airlines, Emirates and Etihad Airways, all service INIA, and last March Saudia Airlines began an inaugural route from Jeddah.

 “We are now embarking on one of the largest developments in the country.”   Adil Moosa, Managing Director of MACL

When the International Passenger Terminal opens, it will feature aerobridges, a modernized baggage system and other examples of the latest technology employed by world-class airports. “There will be a newly built modern cargo complex and a new fuel farm with fuel hydrant system,” Moosa adds. “Once completed, INIA will truly look like a whole new airport.”

Earlier this year, INIA was named the “Indian Ocean’s Leading Airport” for the fifth year in a row by the World Travel Awards. Having sealed investments for the development, INIA is staring down a bright horizon. “Collectively, we will continue to concentrate to bring improvements and facilitate excellent passenger service,” says Moosa. “That is, and always has ben, our main goal.”