Maldives Aircraft Wreck Coral Restoration Turns Retired Planes Into a Reef 

Two retired aircraft that once flew for the Maldives’ first national airline are getting a second life underwater. They were sunk to create an unusual diving attraction. The Maldives aircraft wreck coral restoration project at the Dhoonier Wreck site near Kudagiri Island is now moving them toward becoming the base of a growing marine habitat. 

On May 14, 2026, Visit Maldives Corporation, HDC and Public Service Media (PSM) organized a large-scale coral restoration activity at the site during the Asia Media Summit 2026, which PSM hosted. 

About 300 international media delegates from 40 countries attached coral fragments to specially designed underwater frames, which were then placed at the Dhoonier Wreck. Government institutions, tourism businesses, dive operators and marine research organizations supported the effort. Visit Maldives Corporation describes the project as regenerative tourism that combines marine restoration with diving. The underwater layout follows an airport-inspired design, with the aircraft serving as structural elements of the developing reef. 

The project ties aviation history to reef recovery and gives the Maldives another way to diversify marine tourism. Organizers also aimed to minimize ecological impacts while creating the attraction. The larger idea behind the Maldives aircraft wreck coral restoration effort is that divers visit a site that is being rebuilt, not one that is simply used. 

Visit Maldives Corporation says the long-term plan is to fold the aircraft into a wider underwater habitat supported by coral planting and other habitat-enhancement work. The restoration activity is meant to help establish the Dhoonier Wreck as a distinctive diving destination. Whether regenerative tourism of this kind spreads to other Maldivian sites is worth watching as the Maldives aircraft wreck coral restoration project develops.