The Maldives’ Latest Underwater Airport

By Paul Homewood

Ifuru Airport, Maldives

News from the Maldives that their latest airport has just opened:

Ifuru Airport has been officially opened on Thursday, 28th of May 2015 at a ceremony held on the island of Ifuru. The recently developed domestic airport located in Raa Atoll was inaugurated by the Maldives President, Abdulla Yameen.

A joint venture was made between Argo Marine Pvt Ltd and the Government to construct the airport under Ifuru Investments and was formed on 3rd May 2011. Five percent of the company is controlled by the government and the agreement made was that the investment company should be granted three islands to develop holiday resorts.

There are now 4 international Airports and 7 domestic airports in the island nation Maldives.

Internationals Airports:

Gan, Addu City – Gan International Airport

Hanimaadhoo, Haa Dhaalu – Hanimaadhoo International Airport

Hulhulé Malé – Ibrahim Nasir International Airport

Maamingili, Alifu Dhaalu – Villa International Airport

Domestic Airports:

Dharavandhoo, Baa – Dharavandhoo Airport

Fuvahmulah, Gnaviyani – Fuvahmulah Airport

Ifuru, Raa – Ifuru Airport

Kaadedhdhoo, Gaafu Dhaalu – Kaadedhdhoo Airport

Kadhdhoo, Laamu – Kadhdhoo Airport

Kooddoo, Gaafu Alifu – Kooddoo Airport

Thimarafushi, Thaa – Thimarafushi Airport

http://travelcentremaldives.com/maldives-blog/ifuru-airport-has-been-officially-opened

This is in line with the Maldives Fourth Tourism Masterplan, to expand air capacity from the five airports that existed in 2007, to enable tourism to grow accordingly.

Bed capacity has already been leaping ahead since 1990.

http://www.tourism.gov.mv/downloads/publicaltions/MasterPlanVolume2.pdf

And the plan for 2013-17 expects another 9682 beds, an increase of 28% on 2012.

http://www.tourism.gov.mv/downloads/publicaltions/MasterPlanVolume2.pdf

They hope that, by 2020, they will see a big expansion in resorts on the outlying islands.

http://www.tourism.gov.mv/downloads/publicaltions/MasterPlanVolume2.pdf

Resorts like the new Accor Pullman village on Maamutaa, which is due to open in 2018.

Artist Impression

http://www.dreamingofmaldives.com/maldives-blog/accor-announced-to-manage-2-new-resorts-in-maldives-mercure-and-pullman-in-gaafu-alifu-atoll/

Pity that they will all be under water soon!