Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Dr Abdulla Muththalib has estimated that approximately USD 3.82 billion will be needed to complete projects initiated under the Ministry.
The Minister disclosed the estimate in a written response to South Hulhumalé Member of Parliament Dr Ahmed Shamheed, who had sought details of the total funding required to complete the projects and the amount allocated to continue work on them in the 2026 budget.
Addressing the budgetary arrangements, Minister Dr Muththalib explained that the Government is implementing this year's projects through a programme-based budget. As a result, the Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprises allocates funding in line with project implementation plans, rather than assigning fixed amounts to individual projects.
He clarified that the 2026 budget therefore does not contain separate allocations for specific projects.
The Minister also highlighted that work is currently underway on five airports in different regions of the Maldives. He expressed confidence that the projects would not require additional funding beyond the amounts estimated for their completion.
Minister outlines progress of five airport development projects
Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Dr Abdulla Muththalib has outlined the progress of five airport development projects across the Maldives, highlighting their current status and funding requirements.
The Minister provided the details in a written response to South Hulhumalé Member of Parliament Dr Ahmed Shamheed, who had sought information on the islands where airport construction work is currently taking place.
In his response, Dr Muththalib explained that the Ministry is overseeing five airport development projects across different regions of the country, with work progressing at various stages.
The projects include Gan Airport in Addu City, Makunudhoo Airport in Haa Dhaalu Atoll, Magoodhoo Airport in Faafu Atoll, Alifushi Airport in Raa Atoll and Isdhoo Kalaidhoo Airport in Laamu Atoll.
While the Minister does not expect the projects to require funding beyond their estimated completion costs, he clarified that the Isdhoo Kalaidhoo airport project has yet to be contracted. The Government has already included approximately USD 38.91 million in the budget for the project.
The Government has also allocated approximately USD 35.02 million for airport development in the 2026 State Budget, reflecting the significant priority it places on developing airports across different regions of the Maldives.