Housing Minister Abdulla Muththalib has said that physical work is currently underway on only five of the 15 airports announced for development by the current administration.
The Minister made these remarks in a written response to a parliamentary inquiry submitted by Hulhumalé South MP Ahmed Shamheed.
In his response, Muththalib noted that the airport projects currently managed by the Ministry are not expected to exceed their allocated budgets.
"Under the supervision of this Ministry, development work is currently progressing on five contracted airport projects. These projects are at various stages of implementation, and it is not anticipated that additional funding beyond the allocated budget will be required to complete them," the letter stated.
However, as the contract for the Laam Isdhoo-Kalaidhoo airport project has not yet been finalised, the MVR 600 million required for the project has already been earmarked in the budget.
While the Minister provided these details, the current administration has previously awarded contracts for the development of 11 airports across various regions. These include:
- Shaviyani Komandoo Airport
- Thaa Guraidhoo Airport
- Thaa Vilufushi Airport
- Shaviyani Milandhoo Airport Shaviyani Bileifahi Airport
- Haa Alif Dhidhdhoo Airport
- Raa Fainu Airport
- Shaviyani Dhiguveli Airport
- Noonu Vihafaru Airport
- Alif Alif Mathiveri Airport
- Faafu Nilandhoo Airport
Additionally, the previous administration had also initiated the development of five airports. These are:
- Faafu Magoodhoo Airport
- Haa Dhaal Makunudhoo Airport
- Raa Alifushi Airport
- Meemu Muli Airport
- Baa Thulhaadhoo Airport
Since assuming office, the current administration has yet to inaugurate a new airport. While several new airport projects have been announced, President Mohamed Muizzu has pledged to upgrade and develop numerous existing facilities across the country.
