President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu said on Tuesday that building an airport in HDh. Makunudhoo is an essential developmental project, adding that he hopes to see the airport open in his next visit to the island.
President Muizzu, who is on a tour of islands in HDh. Atoll, visited Makunudhoo on Tuesday morning.
Addressing a gathering there, he said that an airport is crucial for the development of the island. Highlighting on the isolated nature of the island, President Muizzu noted that developing an airport is the biggest and most important pledge he made to the people of Makunudhoo, both during his 2023 presidential campaign, and after.
“This is one of the areas where transport remains the most challenging. Therefore, in light of the policy for long-term sustainable development, I believe that establishing an airport in this island is essential. It is something that must be done,” he said.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu addresses a rally in HDh. Makunudhoo on August 26, 2025. (Photo/President's Office)
President Muizzu said the ease in transport the airport will offer will help take Makunudhoo’s economic development to “a higher level.”
Earlier on Tuesday, the Housing Ministry signed contracts with Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) to implement the land reclamation and coastal protection project in Makunudhoo, and the development of infrastructure for the airport, worth MVR 258.21 million and MVR 85.44 million, respectively.
According to MTCC, the airport will be developed with an 1,800-meter runway.
MTCC is contracted to implement a land reclamation and coastal protection project and the development of airport infrastructure in HDh. Makunudhoo on August 26, 2025. (Photo/President's Office)
President Muizzu, who witnessed the signing of the contracts, said that the government will work closely with the Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) and MTCC to ensure the project is conducted at a swift pace.
“I hope not to visit here until the airport is complete and opened. Therefore, I will be able to come here as soon as this gets done as soon as possible. I will try to get it done as soon as possible,” he said.
In addition to contracts for the land reclamation and airport development projects, President Muizzu also witnessed the signing of a contract with Road Development Corporation (RDC) to redevelop the roads of Makunudhoo.
Reclamation of land and the development of an airport is something that the people of Maukunudhoo have been asking for years. Land reclamation works in the island were initiated during former president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s administration.