Maavaarulaa Airport (RUL)

Maavaarulaa Airport (IATA: RUL, ICAO: VRQM) is a domestic airport located on the island of Maavaarulu in the Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, one of the southernmost atolls in the Maldives. Its primary role is to provide essential air connectivity for local residents and to serve as a crucial gateway for tourists visiting the numerous luxury resorts in the region. The airport significantly reduces travel time to this remote part of the country, linking it directly with Velana International Airport (MLE) in the capital city, Malé.

Opened on July 11, 2020, Maavaarulaa Airport is one of the newer additions to the Maldives' aviation infrastructure. Its development was a key strategic project aimed at boosting economic growth and tourism in the southern atolls. Before its opening, access to the Gaafu Dhaalu region involved longer and more complex journeys. The airport's establishment has made the atoll more accessible, supporting both the local tourism industry and the daily needs of the island communities. The airport is situated on its own island, and access to nearby inhabited islands and resorts is exclusively via pre-arranged speedboat or sea vessel transfers, a common logistical arrangement throughout the Maldivian archipelago.

Operations at Maavaarulaa are focused entirely on domestic travel. The national airline, Maldivian, is the primary carrier, operating regular scheduled flights to and from Malé. These flights are typically serviced by turboprop aircraft like the Dash 8. The airport features a single runway measuring 2,200 meters, capable of handling the aircraft used for domestic routes. Passenger volume is modest, fluctuating with tourist seasons and local travel patterns.

The airport's facilities are modern but designed for efficiency rather than extensive commercial activity. Travelers will find a single, compact terminal building with check-in counters, a basic departure gate with seating, and restroom facilities. Given its small scale and focus on short-haul domestic flights, there are no dedicated lounges, extensive retail shops, or a wide variety of food and beverage outlets. The amenities are functional and sufficient for the short time passengers spend at the airport before their flight or sea transfer.

For travelers, it is advisable to arrive approximately 90 minutes before a scheduled departure. All onward travel from Maavaarulaa to a final resort destination must be coordinated in advance with the respective property, as speedboat transfers are not available on-demand. Passengers connecting from an international flight at Velana International Airport should allow ample time to clear immigration, collect baggage, and transfer to the domestic terminal for their flight to Maavaarulaa.