Decision to build airport on Isdhoo-Kalaidhoo contradicts policy: Maavashu island council

Jul 1, 2026, 8:52 AM
President Mohamed Muizzu in Maavashu: The council stated they will remain steadfast in their efforts to secure an airport -- Photo: President's Office

President Mohamed Muizzu in Maavashu: The council stated they will remain steadfast in their efforts to secure an airport -- Photo: President's Office

The Maavashu island council has said that the government’s decision to construct an airport in Isdhoo-Kalaidhoo instead of Maavashu contradicts the administration's policies.

Residents of Laamu Maavashu have decided to hold a protest over the exclusion of their island from the airport development plans. In a statement released alongside this decision, the council argued that under the policy to establish airports for islands located more than 35 minutes away from an existing airport by speedboat, Maavashu should have been the primary candidate for the next project in the atoll.

"Under this policy, Maavashu is the only island that meets the initial criteria for the establishment of a second airport in Haddhunmathi Atoll," the council’s statement read.

Highlighting the extensive efforts made by many residents to secure an airport for the island, the council affirmed its commitment to continuing the campaign for the project.

"This council maintains that an airport must be established in Maavashu in accordance with the government’s stated policy. We assure the public that we will remain steadfast in our appeal to the government and continue our efforts until this goal is achieved," the statement concluded.

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