Kaadedhdhoo Airport Signed Over to Villa Air

Kaadedhdhoo Airport was signed over to Villa Air in a ceremony held today at the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation. The signing was attended by the Chairman of Villa Air Qasim Ibrahim, Managing Director Abdulla Nashid, and the newly-appointed General Manager of Kaadedhdhoo Airport Ahmed Habeeb.

Villa Air intends to improve the standard of services for locals and tourists passing through the domestic airport. Additionally, the company hopes to facilitate growth for nearby resorts and guesthouses. Resorts within the Gaafu Dhaal and Gaaf Alifu Atoll include Raffles Maldives, Amari Havodda Maldives, Robinson Maldives, Konotta Maldives, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa, Mercure Maldives Koodoo, Ayada Maldives, Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa, The Residence Maldives Falhumaafushi and Dhigurah.

With plans for renovations and the transfer of resources already underway, the company will begin operations at Kaadedhdhoo Airport this year. Furthermore, the company will develop Kaadedhdhoo Airport to international airport standards over the course of the next seven years as per the agreement signed today.

Kaadedhdhoo Airport opened on 10th December 1993, is a domestic airport located in the Gaafu Dhaal Atoll. The airport is 3.7 kilometres south of the atoll’s capital, Thinadhoo.

Feature image by Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation

The Maldives has reached a historic milestone by welcoming its 2 millionth tourist in 2024. This achievement highlights the country’s status as a top global travel destination. For the first time, the Maldives has hit such a high number of visitors in a single year, marking a major moment for its tourism industry.

Celebrating the Arrival

Astrid Dirnegger, an Austrian national, arrived at Velana International Airport on December 26th with her husband and two children. Airport officials, including Minister of Tourism Ibrahim Faisal and representatives from the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) and Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), warmly welcomed the family. To celebrate the milestone, the Dirnegger family received a special six-day stay at the luxurious SAii Lagoon Maldives. The family will enjoy the resort’s beauty and world-class amenities during their stay.

A Strong Year for Tourism

The Maldives set a goal to welcome 2 million tourists in 2024, and the country has now surpassed this target. The achievement also highlights the country’s growing popularity among international travelers. According to the Ministry of Tourism, the Maldives has seen a nine percent increase in tourist arrivals compared to the previous year. This steady growth further solidifies the country’s position as a leading destination for luxury, relaxation, and adventure.

Tourism officials have worked hard to attract visitors from around the world, and the Maldives continues to draw travelers with its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and exclusive resorts. The country also emphasizes sustainable tourism, which helps protect its natural beauty for future generations.

Looking ahead, the Maldives has set its sights on 2.2 million tourist arrivals for 2025. With ongoing infrastructure projects, such as the expansion of Velana International Airport, the Maldives is prepared to support this growth. The tourism industry is poised for another successful year, building on the momentum of 2024.

Kaadedhdhoo Airport Signed Over to Villa Air

Feature image by Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation

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