Gaafu

In 1962, the giant Huvadhu Atoll was split diagonally for administrative purposes into the north easterly Gaafu Alifu Atoll and south westerly Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll. The entire island chain has been coined, Gaafu Atoll.

Because of its size and geographical separation from the rest of the Maldives Atoll chain, Gaafu has historically reserved a level of independence from the rest of the country. Gaafu maintained individual trade links with Sri Lanka and the dialect was barely comprehensible to other Maldivians. With the first resort construction allowed in Gaafu Dhaalu in 2006, Gaafu Atoll remains a sparsely developed and, now, up-and-coming destination in the south Maldives.

Kooddoo Airport is a domestic airport located on the island of Kooddoo in Gaafu Atoll. Maldivian airlines operate scheduled flights to Gan, Kadhdhoo and Malé.

Kaadedhdhoo Airport is a domestic airport located on the island of Kaadedhdhoo in Gaafu Atoll. Maldivian airlines operate scheduled flights to Gan, Kadhdhoo and Malé.