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New Domestic Airport Opens in Haa Alifu Atoll, Maldives

Haa Alifu Airport
A new airport in the Maldives at the northernmost Haa Alifu Atoll, Hoarafushi has been opened on 19th November 2020.

A new airport in the Maldives at the northernmost Haa Alifu Atoll, Hoarafushi has been opened. While Hoarafushi is a residential island in the Maldives, the atoll features various luxury resorts in the Maldives including; JA Manafaru, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa, Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi and more.

Resorts in the atoll are easily accessible by seaplanes. However, with the opening of this new airport, budget travellers can easily travel to the guesthouses in the area. Thus, supporting the growing local tourism sector of the Maldives.

President of the Maldives, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih inaugurated the airport on 19th November 2020. The president emphasized this is the most optimal time for tourism development in the atoll. Furthermore, he added that upon consultation with the Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, he had approved the proposed land plots for tourism development in Hoarafushi Island as well.

In his remarks, the President highlighted that establishing an airport in the area has been a longstanding aspiration of the residents of the region and that its completion marks an important milestone in this Administration’s efforts towards decentralisation.

A press release by the President’s Office read.

Hoarafushi Airport will connect flights between the main Velana International Airport and the Ihavandhippolhu region. In addition to that, the Haa Alifu airport features:

  • A 1.2 kilometer runway
  • 8,635 square meter apron
  • A taxiway, service roads
  • 9,473 square meter parking area
  • 1,718 square meter fire access road
Also read: Velana International Airport Records 147 Aircraft Movements on a Single-Day

Local tourism has started picking up since the Maldives allowed guesthouses outside the greater Malé Region to reopen from 15th October 2020. As per the latest statistics from the ministry of tourism, the Maldives recorded a total of 59,105 tourist arrivals since the border reopening (as of 19th November 2020).

Feature image by Maldives Transport and Contracting Company PLC
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Pullman Maldives Maamutaa Unveils Vibrant House Reef and Celebrates with Aqua Week 2025

Maamutaa House Reef unveiled at Pullman Maldives Maamutaa Resort

Pullman Maldives Maamutaa warmly invites guests to discover an extraordinary underwater world just meters from its shore. Recently, the resort unveiled the Maamutaa House Reef, a thriving marine ecosystem known for its rich biodiversity and easy accessibility. In fact, it’s one of the Maldives’ finest snorkeling and diving spots, just a short swim away.

To celebrate this exciting milestone, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa is gearing up to host Aqua Week 2025 from 13 to 20 July. During this week-long event, the resort brings together underwater exploration, environmental care, and creative marine experiences designed to inspire and engage guests of all ages.

What to Expect During Aqua Week 2025

Aqua Week also marks the official launch of the resort’s Seagrass Mapping & Awareness Project and offers guests unique chances to connect with the ocean like never before:

  • First, guided snorkeling tours invite guests to collect visual data on seagrass habitats while learning about their important role in the marine ecosystem.
  • Then, there are underwater content workshops led by Insta360, where guests get hands-on experience capturing vivid 360-degree marine footage.
  • Plus, underwater scooter rides powered by Edge K5 add a fun and thrilling twist to reef exploration.
  • On top of that, certified mermaid Gloria Xue hosts mermaid classes and performances, including fantasy-themed photoshoots and live shows at the Aqua Villa.

Altogether, this vibrant week blends sustainability, storytelling, and technology, encouraging guests to explore and protect the ocean in fresh and immersive ways.

Seagrass Mapping & Awareness Project: Protecting Marine Life

At the core of Pullman Maldives Maamutaa’s environmental efforts is its three-phase Seagrass Mapping & Awareness Project, which forms part of the resort’s commitment to sustainability under the Green Globe program. Seagrass meadows play a vital role in supporting young marine species and soaking up carbon, making their conservation absolutely crucial.

The project timeline is as follows:

  • Phase 1 (July) focuses on seagrass identification and mapping alongside resort staff and guests.
  • Then, in Phase 2 (August and September), guest-led snorkeling excursions help gather images and raise awareness.
  • Finally, Phase 3 (October) will feature the premiere of a short documentary highlighting the project’s findings and impact.

Throughout this process, guests are invited to actively take part in this meaningful conservation initiative, turning their vacation into a valuable contribution toward ocean health.

Maamutaa House Reef: A Living Marine Wonderland

Just 100 meters from the resort’s beach lies the newly revealed Maamutaa House Reef, a vibrant underwater habitat bursting with life and color. This reef stands out as a rare gem in the Maldives, offering exceptional biodiversity along with easy access. Visitors can spot green and hawksbill turtles, blacktip and whitetip reef sharks, colorful schools of parrotfish and angelfish, and sometimes eagle rays and octopuses, all within easy reach of the resort.

“This reef is not only accessible, it’s alive,” shares the resort’s marine biologist. “Guests don’t need to travel far to witness marine wonders. It’s an ecosystem that inspires awe and action.”

The journey to the reef is part of the adventure itself. Guests glide through flourishing seagrass meadows, essential habitats for marine life before reaching the reef’s drop-off. Here, hard and soft coral formations flourish, nurtured by the atoll’s natural geography and nutrient-rich ocean currents.

Signature Reef Experiences for Every Guest

The Maamutaa House Reef forms the foundation for a variety of engaging activities that suit all ages and experience levels, including:

  • Marine biologist-led guided snorkeling tours
  • Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) sessions launched right from the beach
  • Night snorkeling under UV lights, revealing stunning biofluorescent marine life
  • Citizen science programs focused on seasonal seagrass research
  • Kids’ Ocean Explorers, a fun and educational program designed for young marine enthusiasts

Whether guests are first-time snorkelers or seasoned divers interested in marine research, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa offers effortless access to unforgettable ocean adventures, with no boat rides or long transfers needed.

Pullman Maldives Maamutaa is clearly setting a new standard for reef access, sustainability, and immersive marine experiences. For travelers eager to explore the Maldives through education, conservation, and discovery, this house reef, along with everything it inspires, offers a journey truly worth taking.

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