Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has revealed that 2,675 private jets arrived in the Maldives by the end of 2022, which is a 53% increase compared to the number of private jets in 2019, with the highest number of tourist arrivals.
A total of 2,675 private jets landed at Velana International Airport (VIA) last year, according to MACL. The highest number of private jets landed at VIA in January last year with a total of 522. The second highest number of private jets landed in February with 342 landings and in December 324 landings. In addition, a total of 562,158 tourists visited the Maldives from these jets.
Furthermore, MACL stated that the increase in private jet landings at VIA and the need to park a large number of jets has filled the entire apron space of the airport. Therefore, MACL has allowed some jets to park on the former runway and part of the existing taxiway. MACL also said that the arrangements were facilitated by taking precautionary measures.
The economy of the Maldives grew by 41.7% by the end of 2021, despite a complete stagnation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The government also forecast a 12.3% growth by the end of 2023.