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Maldives operationalises new runway at main airport

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The new runway of Velana International Airport (VIA) officially opened on Thursday. 

Vice President Faisal Naseem attended the ceremony held at VIA at 6.30am where an Emirates B777 aircraft landed at the new Code F runway which was developed on reclaimed land on the east side of the airport island of Hulhule.

The aircraft was welcomed with a water salute.

With the introduction of the new runway, the old runway will then be used as a taxiway.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the runway, Chairman of Airport Company Limited (MACL) Mohamed Umar Manik said the new runway opened is an ISO standard runway. Noting that the largest passenger aircraft, the Airbus-A380, will be able to land on the new runway, he noted: 

  • The new runway will have a modern drainage system
  • Oil tankers will no longer be needed as fuel will be pumped from designated stations
  • This was like opening a new airport within an airport that was in operation
  • He thanked all those involved for concluding their work despite many challenges

Vice President Faisal Naseem said that the new runway is the first step towards uplifting airport services to cater to the developing tourism industry. Faisal said that everyone was looking to expand the Maldivian economy and increase the self-sufficiency of the general public. He said that the main aim of this administration was to facilitate travel and bring development to the whole country.

As part of the major project initiated by former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom’s administration to develop VIA, a new runway was officially opened at VIA in September 2018. However, the new runway had only been used as a taxiway since February due to the delay in relocating the adjacent seaplane terminal.

New runway project:

  • $150 million (MVR 2.3 billion) project
  • The project was carried out through loans from Exim Bank of China
  • The runway is 3,400 metres long and 60 metres wide

Awards

Mercure Maldives Kooddoo wins triple honours at World Luxury Awards 2025

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Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort has received three titles at the 2025 World Luxury Awards, named Luxury Adults Only Resort, Luxury Island Resort, and Luxury Cultural Resort in the Indian Ocean.

The awards highlight the brand’s focus on locally rooted hospitality, with stays shaped by place, service and community. The resort presents Maldivian culture through curated experiences, pairing contemporary comforts with island traditions.

Positioned as an adults-only retreat, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo integrates culinary influences and cultural programming to offer guests a stay informed by the rhythm of local life and delivered with consistent service standards.

“These awards are a true reflection of our team’s passion for creating experiences that feel both local and memorable. Every detail, from the design to the service, is guided by the authenticity that defines Mercure. We are grateful to our guests for being part of this journey,” said Riaan Drever, Cluster General Manager.

The World Luxury Awards recognise excellence in global hospitality, honouring properties that consistently deliver strong guest experiences and celebrate diversity across the travel sector.

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Awards

Hat-trick for Pullman Maldives Maamutaa at 2025 World Luxury Awards

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Pullman Maldives Maamutaa has received three honours at the 2025 World Luxury Awards, securing titles for Best Luxury All-Inclusive Hotel, Best Luxury Wellness Hotel, and Best Luxury Family Hotel in the Indian Ocean.

The awards underscore the resort’s approach to experience-led hospitality, combining design, wellbeing and guest engagement. The recognition also reflects Pullman’s commitment to innovation, inclusivity and sustainability, which sit at the centre of the brand’s strategy.

Since opening, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa has developed an all-inclusive offering that brings together adventure, wellness and a close connection to the natural environment. Its portfolio includes an underwater villa, wellness concepts and family-oriented experiences.

“We are honoured to receive this recognition at the 2025 World Luxury Awards. These awards celebrate the heart of what we do—creating inspiring moments for every guest, whether they come to reconnect, recharge, or simply play. This achievement belongs to our incredible team, whose passion and dedication make Pullman Maldives Maamutaa what it is today,” said Riaan Drever, Cluster General Manager.

The World Luxury Awards recognise excellence in global hospitality, highlighting hotels that consistently deliver strong guest experiences and demonstrate innovation in service and design.

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Featured

Halloween at Sun Siyam Iru Veli turns fantasy, not fright

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Sun Siyam Iru Veli marked Halloween with a one-day island celebration, “Whimsy Over Wicked,” reimagining the tradition of fright as a fairytale of fantasy on 31 October. The programme invited guests of all ages to immerse themselves in themed workshops, entertainment, and dining experiences designed to encourage creativity and the joy of make-believe.

At the Turtle Kidz Club, children joined a full-house Pumpkin Workshop, decorating pumpkins with gemstones, bright colours, and playful patterns. As the sun set over Fresh Water Beach, the festivities shifted to a Masquerade Evening, where guests enjoyed island beats and signature cocktails and mocktails against a golden horizon. The celebration continued at Turtle Beach with a Beach BBQ Dinner, presenting a Halloween-inspired menu in a storybook setting with live music by the sea.

The night concluded with a private “Cinema Under the Stars” screening, offering an open-air experience that captured the spirit of the occasion.

Through “Whimsy Over Wicked,” Sun Siyam Iru Veli highlighted creativity, connection, and the island’s natural setting. Guests departed with memories shaped by laughter, imagination, and a shared celebration under the Maldivian night sky.

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