Minister of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure Mohamed Aslam has stated the administration will continue the development of airports even if at the expense of the state.
Speaking at the Parliament of the Maldives, Minister Aslam said the airport development projects will be financed through the state budget if the government does not receive suitable bid proposals. The minister said a company has been contracted to reclaim land for the Magoodhoo Airport development project, adding land will also need to be reclaimed for the Vilufushi Airport development project.
In December 2021, the planning ministry issued an announcement seeking contractors to develop domestic airports in Makunudhoo in Haa Dhaalu Atoll, Bilehfahi in Shaviyani Atoll, Thulhaadhoo in Baa Atoll, Vilufushi in Thaa Atoll, Magoodhoo in Faafu Atoll, and in the south of Raa Atoll. The projects were opened for contractor financing and development, with a minimum of USD3 million required to be proposed as contractor financing for each project. The contractors can choose to develop the whole airport or part of the airport.
The planning ministry has stated the development of the airports is expected to cost USD133 million, with the airport in Vilufushi alone expected to cost USD33 million. Meanwhile, the projects in Makunudhoo, Bilehfahi, Thulhaadhoo and Magoodhoo are expected to cost USD23 million, USD 24million, USD 22million, and USD8.2 million respectively. The proposed airport in Raa Atoll is expected to cost USD24 million.