The government has announced its decision to build 15 more domestic airports. The announcement was made at the Maldives Investment Forum in Fuzhou, China.
Chinese company officials and investors have participated in the Maldives Investment Forum, which was opened to provide information on various investment opportunities in the Maldives. The government has also announced that 11 projects are open for investments, including the Addu Bridge project, Kaadedhdhoo-Thinadhoo connectivity project, the development of Ihavandhippolhu as well as projects in the renewable energy sector and transport sector.
At the Maldives Investment Forum, the government announced that it is seeking investors for the development of 15 more domestic airports in the Maldives. However, the areas where the airports would be built have not yet been determined. The Maldives currently operates 16 domestic airports.
The government recently awarded a contract to Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) to conduct a survey and environmental impact assessment (EIA) for the development of Nilandhoo airport. MTCC is tasked with completing the survey and EIA for the reclamation of land under the Nilandhoo airport development project within 120 days.
The government is making efforts to expand air transport services in the Maldives. These include the further development of existing domestic airports and completing the recently inaugurated Velana International Airport (VIA) development megaproject, aimed at accommodating 25 million passengers annually.
Additionally, the new administration has decided to expand flights abroad by introducing a wide-body aircraft operation to start nonstop direct flights from national airline Maldivian to tourist destinations. Once the project is underway, Maldivian will offer nonstop direct flights to select regions of China, Europe, and South Africa. China's destinations have been identified as the top priorities of the project. Upon the operation’s commencement, there will be a minimum of two or three weekly direct flights between the vicinity and the Maldives.