Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusan has stated that connecting the southern atolls via seaplane will bring real and meaningful development to residents.
Speaking at the launching ceremony of the project to link the four southern atolls via seaplane, the Minister said the initiative is President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s vision to turn infrastructure improvements into practical benefits for the people. Although airports and seaplane operations have been possible in the Maldives for years, the service had not been launched in the southern atolls, he noted. The service was commenced as the President felt it will bring ease to the lives of the people, he added.
The Minister further said the service was established after the President’s close engagement with southern communities and understanding their needs, by giving directives to companies based on that. Ihsan highlighted that seaplanes will greatly improve travel convenience, reducing journeys that used to take 5 hours to just 20 minutes in good weather.
The Minister said the biggest challenge for tourism is stagnant number of bed nights. He said improving accessibility will in turn help increase the number of bed nights and boost tourism. He added that this marks the start of an integrated tourism ecosystem in the south.