Hours after awarding the contract to build five regional airports on Tuesday, government revealed plans for two more in different regions of the Maldives.
Speaking after signing the agreement with Malaysia construction firm Gryphon to build Haa Dhaal Atoll Kulhudhuffushi island, Shaviyani Atoll Fonadhoo island, Faafu Atoll Nilandhoo island, along with two islands in Gaaf Dhaal Atoll under a project worth USD57.5 million, tourism minister Moosa Zameer said the government was looking to link the country's air transport network to provide 30 minute access to a airport from any island.
Zameer said the government had conducted research on financial feasibility to build more airports adding that the government was looking at Lhaviyani Atoll Felivaru island and Meemu Atoll as two possible locations.
"Our program has plans to build an airport in Felivaru. It would be an ideal location for an airport. Because in addition to locals the region has high bed capacity. Tourism is also expanding in Meemu Atoll so we're looking at an airport there in the near future," Zameer said.
The minister said the regional airports would play an vital role to link the tourist influx expected after the main airport's expansion to the resorts.
