President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has announced the government’s plans to develop five domestic airports this year.
Delivering the presidential address at the first parliamentary session of 2021, President Solih said the government remains committed to deliver on its promise of decentralizing the development of the country. In this regard, the main focus of the pledge is to connect the islands of the Maldives via an accessible transport network, said the president.
While an airport has been opened in Ha. Hoarafushi under the efforts, five additional airports will be developed this year, said the president. This includes airports in M. Muli, Hdh. Makunudhoo, Sh.Bilehfahi, B. Thulhaadhoo and Th. Vilufushi, said the president, noting that the government is now seeking parties to develop these airports.
The president added that the government intended to kickstart the High Speed Ferry Network project during 2020. However, the project faced delays due to COVID-19, but has now been contracted to MTCC, he added.
The government aims to develop airports within a 20-minute travel distance from all inhabited islands of the Maldives. While the Maldives already has 14 airports, the government has established a company to manage the airports.
