President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that the government is finalising plans to develop Kaadedhdhoo Airport to international standards, with practical work on the highly anticipated project slated to commence by the middle of this year.
The President, addressing the weekly news conference, confirmed that while planning for the major infrastructural upgrade is nearing its end, the work has not progressed at the initially intended pace. To ensure the most feasible and financially prudent approach, the government will utilise an investor finance model rather than direct state budget expenditure to kickstart the project.
This development fulfills a key pledge made by President Muizzu during a press conference in May of last year. The original plan to construct a new international airport on the island of Thinadhoo has been revised. The new strategy focuses on significantly upgrading the existing Kaadedhdhoo Airport and connecting it to the neighbouring island of Thinadhoo via a bridge, thereby serving the entire Huvadhoo Atoll region.
"This is a promise I made to the people of Thinadhoo and Huvadhoo. Realistic targets are being set. Practical work will start in the middle of this year," he said, reaffirming his administration's commitment to the project.
Opened in December 1993, Kaadedhdhoo Airport is historically significant as the first domestic airport in Huvadhoo Atoll. Currently operated by Villa Air, the airport is located just 3.7 kilometers from Thinadhoo.