Island Aviation, which operates Maafaru International Airport, is seeking a party to build a 50-room airport hotel on the island.

In an announcement published in the government gazette today, the company said both local and international companies can undertake the project.

The project is aimed at providing a more efficient service to the company's customers and economically strengthening the airport, the announcement read.

Island Aviation said it intends to research any business proposal that would benefit the company and the interested party.

The project winner will be selected based on the company's objectives, experience in such projects, and financial and operational capacity.

Area designated for the hotel.

The deadline for expressions of interest is April 21. The airport hotel will be built on an area of ​​4,000 square feet on the east coast of Maafaru airport.

Maafaru International Airport records an average of 700 air traffic movements per year and is the second-largest airport in Maldives.

The airport, operated by Island Aviation, was built for USD 60 million from the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD). The airport has a runway of approximately 2,300 meters and can accommodate A320 and Boeing 737 aircraft.

The government has also decided to further develop the airport and expand it to accommodate Boeing 777 twin jets.