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Maldives to open new seaplane terminal in May 2020

A new seaplane terminal being developed at the Maldives’ main Velana International Airport will come into operation in May 2020, the airport operator announced Wednesday.
Moosa Solih, the acting Managing Director of Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), told local journalists that the new terminal will initially be operated jointly by all the operators. MACL will fully take over the operations of the terminal in three years, he said.
“We can’t take over the operations right away because there are existing contracts with the operators. We also need to ensure a smooth transfer of operations from the existing terminal to the new one,” Solih said, after a tour of the new developments taking place at the airport.
“At MACL, we’re building our capacity to run the seaplane terminal. Based on our progress, we’ll be gradually taking over different aspects of the operations, culminating in a full takeover in about three years.”
The new seaplane terminal is being built on reclaimed lagoon behind the air traffic control tower on the eastern side of the airport island of Hulhule. The new terminal sits on 18,000 square metres of reclaimed land and the accompanying seaplane hanger is being built on additional 14,000 square metres of reclaimed land.
Solih stressed that the water aerodrome of the new terminal will initially have the capacity to accommodate 55 seaplanes at a time, but can be expanded to accommodate 100.
Four operators can comfortably provide service from the four-storey terminal, he added.
Passenger facilities at the new terminal will include a spacious arrival lobby, VIP lounges and restaurants.

The terminal, which costs USD 40 million, is part of a USD 800 million mega project to expand and upgrade the Maldives’ main gateway to cater to at least seven million passengers per annum. The project also involves building a brand new runway and a new international passenger terminal, as well as other support facilities, including a fuel farm that can store 45 million litres and a 120,000 tonne cargo facility.
Seaplane is the preferred mode of transport between the main Velana International Airport and dozens of resorts, especially those located in outer atolls.
Three airlines currently provide seaplane service: flagship carrier Maldivian, and privately run Trans Maldivian Airways and Manta Air. Private airline Villa Air’s Flyme is also set to begin seaplane operations soon.
TMA, which is controlled by a consortium led by US-based Bain Capital and Chinese conglomerate Tempus Group, operates an all-amphibian fleet of more than 50 aircraft, making it the largest seaplane operator in the world.
Maldivian has a fleet of 10 seaplanes.
Manta Air, which launched the Maldives’ first scheduled seaplane service in November, uses six Twin Otter aircraft. Another four are expected to join the airline’s seaplane fleet by year-end.
The seaplane operators are investing heavily in expanding their operations, especially their fleet. The expansion comes in line with growing tourist arrivals and increasing bed capacity due to the opening of dozens of new resorts in the Maldives.
Drink
Golden hour bliss with Zoe London and Giorgio Chiarello at Dhigali Maldives

This November, Dhigali Maldives will transform its iconic Haali Bar into a lively stage for music and mixology, as British DJ Zoe London and Italian Flair Bartending Champion Giorgio Chiarello join forces for an unforgettable sunset residency from 11 to 15 November 2025.
Each evening, Zoe London will take to the decks, delivering her distinctive mix of house, classic remixes, and uplifting energy to the shores of the Raa Atoll. With more than 15 years’ experience performing at venues such as Soho House and The Ned, as well as at prestigious events including the Formula 1 Paddock Club and festivals like Glastonbury, Reading & Leeds, and Latitude, Zoe’s sets promise the perfect soundtrack to golden hour in paradise.
As the sun slips beneath the horizon, guests will be treated to masterfully crafted cocktails from Giorgio Chiarello, Italy’s most decorated Flair Bartender. Renowned for his captivating performances and expertise in American-style mixology, Giorgio will present a bespoke menu featuring three classic cocktails alongside three of his own original creations, each prepared with precision and flair at Haali Bar.
Nestled in the heart of the remote Raa Atoll, Dhigali Maldives is an exclusive Premium All-Inclusive resort that seamlessly blends contemporary minimalist design with the island’s natural beauty. From overwater villas and beachfront suites to snorkelling adventures, fine dining, and rejuvenating spa rituals, the resort offers an immersive and refined escape. With its vibrant house reef just steps away, every element is designed for effortless relaxation and indulgence.
Together, Zoe London and Giorgio Chiarello will infuse the island’s evenings with rhythm, flavour, and artistry, creating an immersive fusion of music and mixology framed by the serene backdrop of the Indian Ocean.
Featured
Huvafen Fushi introduces soulful stays for rest, reconnection and renewal

Huvafen Fushi has unveiled a soul-stirring escape created for women who appreciate the power of pause. Whether bringing together a close circle of friends or seeking cherished solitude, this retreat has been designed to smooth the edges and awaken the spirit. Behind closed doors lies the quiet seclusion of Huvafen’s renowned two- and three-bedroom Pavilions, where privacy is paramount, barefoot elegance is assured, and time moves to a rhythm entirely one’s own.
There is little need to leave – unless by choice. Mornings may begin with floating breakfasts on the deck, sunrise yoga by the sea, or tranquil hours drifting in a private pool. With personal butlers, customised mini bars, private coral garden snorkelling, and candlelit feasts, every detail encourages guests to soften, settle, and reconnect with themselves.
Accommodation options include:
- Two Bedroom Ocean Pavilion with Pool – Overwater and sunset-facing, this private retreat sleeps up to six and features a unique indoor–outdoor pool that opens directly into the sea, ideal for dusk dips and long, starlit evenings.
- Two Bedroom Lagoon Pavilion with Pool – Bathed in morning light, this sunrise-facing pavilion offers an uninterrupted view of the lagoon. With space for six, a vast sundeck, and serene water vistas, it invites both connection and clarity.
- Three Bedroom Beach Pavilion with Pool – Positioned directly on the beach and facing the sunset, this expansive hideaway sleeps up to nine. Ocean views, a private pool, and generous indoor and outdoor living areas make it ideal for multigenerational escapes or milestone celebrations.
- Two Bedroom Beach House with Pool – A private sanctuary on the sand, this beach house accommodates up to six. Guests can unwind in their own pool, take in panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, and embrace a slower pace of life.
This is a stay for long conversations and easy silences, for secrets shared over cocktails, for saltwater swims that soothe, for laughter, solo sunrises, and the rare luxury of simply being oneself. Whether with friends, family, or alone, it is not merely a getaway – it is a return to one’s own tide.
Featured
Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas unveils magical holiday celebrations

This festive season, Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas will offer guests a journey of connection, wonder and celebration, inspired by the four natural elements: earth, water, fire and air. A series of thoughtfully curated experiences will capture the spirit of the season and the beauty of the island, creating a magical escape for both couples and families.
Christmas celebrations will begin with the lighting of the island tree and Santa’s arrival in true Kihavah style. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, guests will enjoy beachfront feasts, sunset cocktails and joyful family gatherings.
Younger guests will be treated to a host of festive activities, from gingerbread house decorating to a children’s pirate cruise exploring local islands, as well as a friendly wall-climbing challenge.
As the year draws to a close, New Year’s Eve will invite guests to celebrate beneath the stars with cosmic-themed cocktails by the sea, followed by a Gala Dinner featuring world-class cuisine, live cooking stations and vibrant entertainment, culminating in a spectacular countdown under the Maldivian night sky.
On 7 January, Orthodox Christmas will be marked with a serene celebration inspired by the element of water, offering oceanfront dining, soulful live music and moments of quiet reflection.
Throughout the festive period, guests will also be able to enjoy signature experiences such as a sunset wine tasting on a private sandbank and a five-course coral-aged wine dinner at SEA, the world’s only underwater wine cellar. Complementing these will be grounding island activities, rejuvenating wellness rituals and culinary delights, all designed to reconnect guests with nature, loved ones and themselves.
With its breathtaking setting, newly reimagined Beach Pool Villas and exceptional holiday programme, Anantara Kihavah promises an unforgettable seasonal celebration in luxury and style.
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