The first test flight has landed at Kulhudhuffushi Airport, developed by the government, in Haa Dhaalu Atoll. The first flight to land at Kulhudhuffushi Airport was a Dash 8 operated by national carrier, Maldivian. Minister of Tourism Moosa Zameer, parliamentarians and officials from the government arrived in Kulhudhuffushi Airport on the 40-minute test flight.
Speaking at the ceremony, Tourism Minister Moosa Zameer revealed permission will be granted to operate chartered flights to Kulhudhuffushi Airport. President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom proceeded with the development of Kulhudhuffushi Airport regardless of the criticism directed by the opposition, noted the tourism minister.
MTCC began the land reclamation project for the development of the airport in November 2017 and completed the project in January 2018. A total of 15 hectares of land, including 6 hectares from the lagoon and 9 hectares from the mangrove area, was reclaimed for the airport development project. MTCC constructed a 1,200 metre long runway, a taxiway and an apron, as part of the project.
The airport in Kulhudhuffushi is the second airport in Haa Dhaalu Atoll, with an airport already in operation in Hanimadhoo. The government has also commenced a project to develop an airport in Haa Alifu Atoll. In this regard, efforts are currently underway to develop an airport at Maafinolhu in Haa Alifu Atoll.