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Maldives to open new seaplane terminal in May 2020

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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.

Photo: Mihaaru Online

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.

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Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts introduces curated all-inclusive getaways in Maldives

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Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts is redefining stress-free travel with a trio of curated, all-inclusive offers across its Maldives properties. Each resort—Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives, Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives, and Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives—presents a unique experience, ranging from surfside excitement to secluded luxury, with every aspect of the stay carefully bundled for a seamless holiday.

At Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives, guests are invited to enjoy five nights of barefoot luxury, with packages starting at USD 3,499 nett for double occupancy in a Water Bungalow or USD 3,999 nett in an Over Water Suite. Tailored for travellers seeking a balance of adventure and relaxation, the offer includes:

  • Return speed boat transfers
  • A 4-course beach dinner featuring steak or seafood
  • A 30-minute spa treatment
  • Snorkelling and swimming experiences
  • A local island visit
  • Unlimited laundry services
  • Premium All-Inclusive privileges

For those in search of tranquillity, the adults-only Platinum Wing at Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives offers a refined escape. With a minimum stay of seven nights in a Platinum Water Bungalow, the package is available at USD 6,999 nett for double occupancy and features:

  • Return seaplane transfers with VIP lounge access
  • A 4-course steak or seafood dinner by the beach
  • A 45-minute spa treatment
  • An island-hopping adventure
  • A welcome bottle of wine, fruit basket, and bed decorations
  • Unlimited laundry services
  • Premium All-Inclusive privileges

At Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives, guests can indulge in serene overwater luxury with a seven-night stay starting from USD 6,999 nett for double occupancy in Water Bungalows and higher categories. The package highlights include:

  • Return seaplane transfers with VIP lounge access
  • Premium All-Inclusive privileges
  • A 4-course steak or seafood dinner by the beach
  • A 45-minute spa treatment
  • An island-hopping adventure
  • A dolphin-watching excursion
  • Unlimited laundry services

These exclusive offers are available for stays between 1 June and 31 October 2025, with bookings now open.

Whether it’s catching waves at the iconic Pasta Point at Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives, enjoying a sunset over the tranquil lagoon at Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives, or exploring the pristine waters surrounding Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives, each resort promises a distinct and immersive experience. Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts delivers three unforgettable all-inclusive escapes, designed for effortless relaxation with every detail expertly managed.

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Travel that matters: indulge in sustainability at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu

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With World Environment Day (5 June) and World Oceans Day (8 June) approaching, and Sir David Attenborough’s highly anticipated film Ocean igniting renewed interest in marine conservation, more travellers are seeking meaningful ways to turn environmental concern into impactful action.

Coco Collection, a leading luxury resort brand in the Maldives, demonstrates that responsible travel and indulgent island experiences can coexist harmoniously. At Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, located in the UNESCO-listed Baa Atoll, guests are offered the opportunity to actively engage in ocean conservation efforts while enjoying a tranquil tropical retreat.

Far more than a scenic escape, the resort serves as a centre for daily, impactful sustainability work. Conservation initiatives at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu include:

  • Coral restoration projects, led by the in-house marine biologist to regenerate local reef ecosystems.
  • Sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation, hosted at the Maldives’ first veterinary-run turtle rescue centre in partnership with the Olive Ridley Project. Visitors can tour the centre, observe turtle feedings, and register in advance to volunteer.
  • Turtle hatching monitoring, involving the observation of protected nests to ensure hatchlings can be safely guided back to the ocean.
  • Guided snorkelling and diving excursions in the Baa Atoll’s thriving marine ecosystem, which is home to tropical fish, vibrant coral gardens, and sea turtles.

Following World Turtle Day on 23 May, the resort also commemorates the beginning of turtle hatching season. Weekly marine talks and immersive conservation activities allow guests to deepen their understanding and connection to the ocean.

In 2024, the Olive Ridley Project’s Maldives Research team reported 168 new turtle nests, over 5,264 successful hatchings, and nearly 3,500 turtle sightings. Since 2013, the project has surpassed 40,000 recorded sea turtle encounters, with Coco Collection associates logging the highest number of turtle encounters in the Maldives.

In addition to marine conservation, the resort offers a broad range of water sports — including water skiing, parasailing, paddleboarding, and kayaking — along with cultural experiences through its Coco Experiences programme.

Recognised among the top resorts in the Indian Ocean by the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2024, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu is celebrated for its authentic Maldivian heritage, breathtaking natural surroundings, and steadfast commitment to sustainability.

Whether visitors are nature enthusiasts, aspiring conservationists, or simply seeking a purposeful and mindful retreat, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu provides a rare opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Sir David Attenborough and contribute to lasting environmental stewardship.

As sustainability-focused holidays approach, the resort is preparing a range of experiences for both guests and staff. Planned activities include tree planting, Saifodhu (a traditional Maldivian high tea accompanied by a display of homemade goods), a sustainable dining experience, and a sustainability presentation led by the resort’s Marine Educator and the ORP team in celebration of World Environment Day. For World Oceans Day, the island is also set to host various sustainability-driven events and experiences.

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Escape to Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru for Eid, wellness, and ocean adventures

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This June, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru welcome guests to immerse themselves in a memorable Eid al-Adha celebration, enhanced by a range of wellbeing-focused experiences, sustainability activities, and exclusive seasonal offers. The resorts invite visitors to honour this special time while exploring the Maldives’ rich local culture and breathtaking natural environment.

Tripadvisor has recognised Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru as one of the Top 15 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in the World as part of the 2025 Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards. This accolade reaffirms the resort’s status as a luxury sanctuary, celebrated for its dedication to excellence and delivering authentic, enriching guest experiences.

Throughout June, guests are invited to reconnect with mind, body, and spirit through a series of carefully curated wellbeing experiences offered at both resorts:

  • Wellbeing Wednesday: Barefoot Grounding Day – Inspired by walking meditation, this experience encourages guests to rebalance and reconnect with nature, promoting a healthier work-life harmony.
  • Global Wellness Day (14 June): Breathwork & Meditation – An intuitive workshop teaching effective breathing techniques to rejuvenate body and mind.
  • International Yoga Day (21 June): Guided Sunset Yoga – Held by the beach, this session offers a peaceful opportunity to embrace mindfulness amidst a stunning natural backdrop.

The resorts commemorate World Environment Week with a series of impactful activities that deepen guest engagement with nature and community:

  • Reef Awareness Day – Guided snorkelling sessions introduce guests to the vibrant marine life of the house reefs.
  • Citizen Science Snorkel & Culture Talk – A morning snorkel followed by an afternoon discussion exploring Maldivian cultural heritage.
  • World Environment Day – Guests can participate in a swim between the islands and join a reef clean-up effort.
  • World Ocean Day – Activities include the removal of coral predators from a nearby reef to protect marine biodiversity.
  • Environment Week Talk – An educational session at the Marine Lab, detailing the Maldives’ environmental narrative.

The resorts celebrate Eid al-Adha with a variety of exclusive experiences and promotions designed to enhance each guest’s stay:

  • Dive More, Pay Less – Guests can uncover the Maldives’ underwater wonders with a special diving promotion that offers increasing savings with each dive.
  • Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru: Stay 3, Pay 2 – A chance to enjoy an extended stay in a serene island retreat, with a complimentary third night.
  • Dhawa Ihuru: Special Eid al-Adha Dinner (6 June) – A festive culinary event celebrating local flavours, culture, and traditions.
  • Exclusive Discounts – Offers include 10% off arts and crafts, 30% off selected watersports and diving activities, and 20% off specially curated guest experiences—inviting travellers to rediscover the magic of the Maldives in unforgettable ways.
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