Maldives opens second airport in Lhaviyani Atoll

The long-awaited opening of Madivaru Airport comes as the island nation celebrates its Golden Jubilee

The opening of the Maldives’ Madivaru Airport will greatly increase accessibility to resorts located in its Lhaviyani Atoll.

Flights between Malé’s Velana International Airport and Madivaru Airport in the Lhaviyani Atoll will take just  25 minutes and will operate throughout the night, overcoming previous service limitations due to seaplanes only being able to operate during the day.

Initially there will be three flights per day, scheduled according to arrivals and departures of international flights to ensure minimal wait times for travellers.

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Flights to and from the new airport have been scheduled to connect travellers flying from several international airlines, including Qatar Airways, Emirates and Turkish Airlines.

The destination has been moving beyond its traditional reputation as a honeymoon spot with a host of new offerings that appeal to a wider demographic of visitors.

Family experiences, health and fitness packages, solo travel experiences and marine adventures, as well as an evolved gastronomy offerings, have all been gaining traction.