Island Aviation Services Limited (IASL) has revealed 283 private jets landed in Maafaru International Airport as of May 31 this year. The statistics show this is an increase compared to the 253 private jet arrivals recorded in the same period in 2020.
IASL, which operates the airport, stated the high number of private jets in the first five months of this year has brought 1,306 tourists. The statistics show 74 private jets arrived in January, 56 in February, 72 in March, 52 in April, and 29 in May.
Speaking to PSM News, General Manager at IASL Mumthaz Ali said most private jets arrived from Russia and the Middle East.
Mumthaz said the recent private jet arrivals have decreased, mainly due to the closure of Conrad Maldives Rangali Island resort for renovations and the upcoming closure of Velaa Private Island, also for renovations. He also highlighted the tourism industry has now entered the low season.
Most private jets to Maafaru carry tourists visiting the luxury island resorts in Noonu Atoll. The airport was opened for scheduled flights in late 2019 and was reclassified into Maafaru International Airport in July 2020. The airport has a 2,200-metre-long and a 40-metre wide runway designed to handle the largest aircraft in operation including the Airbus A380 superjumbo jets.