President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has renewed the pledge to develop an airport in Noonu atoll Vihafaru lagoon, as the local council elections loom closer.
"I am pleased to announce to you that I have decided to start the practical work of building an airport in Vihafaru early next year and hopefully it will start that way," he said in Holhudhoo island on Tuesday night.
Muizzu first announced the Viahafaru airport pledge during a rally in Velidhoo island for his presidential election campaign.
Muizzu said the airport will benefit Velidhoo, Holhudhoo, Fohdhoo and the entire region and the atoll.
But he was aware that the Vihafaru lagoon had been allocated for seaplane operations of the resort being developed on Raafushi island.
Speaking in Velidhoo during the presidential election campaign, Muizzu said he would acquire the lagoon in accordance with the law.
A presidential decree was issued in 2024 to include Vihafaru among the islands and forests where new airports would be built.
On Tuesday night, Muizzu said the airport project would be completed within a maximum of two years.
But the government has so far not disclosed whether they have acquired the lagoon from the resort developers.
The President has been making numerous pledges during his ongoing tour of Noonu atoll, prompting Velidhoo MP Mohamed Abbas to express concern over unfulfilled pledges from the past.
Abbas accused the government of making false promises to win votes in the local council elections due to be held in early 2026.
