The CEO of Inner Maldives, Mohamed Firaq, has criticized the government’s airport development policy, warning that the establishment of airports in close proximity across different regions will ultimately harm the state and burden the public.
Speaking on SSTV’s ‘Baaru Hathareh’ programme on Thursday evening, Firaq said many of the new airports are being built for political gain rather than economic benefit. He alleged that certain individuals are pressuring governments to build airports for personal advantage.
“The damage will be to the government, and the damage to the government is the damage to the people,” he said. “I don’t think this is done with any vision, it’s to satisfy certain politicians, or according to their thinking. We are doing harmful things.”
The current administration aims to ensure every inhabited island has access to an airport within 30 minutes, while the previous Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) government had targeted a 20-minute radius. Firaq questioned the logic behind this approach, noting that some airports operate only one flight per week and that only Velana International Airport, Maafaru International Airport, and Dharavandhoo Airport are profitable.
Completion of Maafaru International Airport commemorated with landing of Code E aircraft on July 8, 2025. (Photo/Infrastrcuture Ministry)
He said each airport costs between USD 3 million and USD 7 million to establish, and staffing requirements force the government to hire more employees, often to appease political interests.
Firaq also commented on domestic flight fares, stating that Island Aviation has been operating at a loss for the past four years. He argued that ticketing could be made more efficient and affordable by adopting international best practices, including online sales and streamlined operations.
“If Island Aviation continues as it is now, it will keep running at a loss for the next 20 years,” he said, adding that airlines should be managed by experienced professionals.
His remarks come after President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s recent tour of four southern atolls, during which Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) was awarded the contract to build an airport in Thaa atoll Vilufushi, despite the presence of an existing airport in Thimarafushi. Airports have also been established in F. Magoodhoo and Nilandhoo, with construction nearing completion.
Despite the growing number of domestic airports, ticket prices remain high.