Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation has revealed Maavaarulu Airport is gearing to welcome scheduled flights on July 1.
The test flights to the airport were operated on March 11. However, scheduled flights have not operated to the airport in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll due to the spread of COVID-19 and suspension of airline operations. The ministry said preparations are underway to commence scheduled flights to Maavaarulu by July 1, adding the staff required for the operation of the airport have been recruited.
The development of Maavarulu Aiport was contracted to Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) in March 2018. The project was originally scheduled to be completed in 2019. However, the project was delayed for several reasons and was halted altogether for a long period of time after the termination of the agreement signed with the original contractor.
Maavarulu Airport is designed to cater for domestic operations with a 1,200-metre runway, a taxi way, an apron and a passenger terminal. The development of the airport cost over USD 3.7 million and was funded by the state budget.
Maavarulu is the third airport developed in Gaafu Alifu and Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll.