President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has inaugurated the new airport developed in Hoarafushi, Haa Alifu Atoll.
President Solih arrived in Hoarafushi for the inauguration on November 19. Upon the arrival, the president was warmly welcomed by the island community.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, President Solih said development of Hoarafushi Airport is a major milestone in the efforts to decentralise important operations in the country. The president stated the airport is the beginning of a new journey towards the development of the northernmost atoll. As such, he noted projects for tourism and real estate development in the atoll have already been launched along with the inauguration of the airport.
Development of Hoarafushi Airport was contracted to Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) in early 2019. Dredging and reclamation of 842,200 cubic metres of land required for the airport was commenced in April 2019 and completed in August 2019. Construction of 1,120 metres of revetment as shore protection around the airport was completed in March 2020.
The project also included construction of a 1,200 metre runway, an 8,635 square-metre apron and taxiway, service roads, a 9,473 square-metre parking area, a 1,718 square-metre of fire access roads and 720 metres of airport security and beach fence area, as well as a passenger terminal and fire building.
Upon inauguration, Hoarafushi Airport has become the northernmost airport in the Maldives.