Minister of National Planning and Infrastructure Mohamed Aslam has said Maldives needs more airports developed in addition to the ongoing airport development projects.
Speaking at a ceremony held to inaugurate Maafaru International Airport (MIA), Planning Minister Aslam said the policy of the administration is to ensure 20-minute journeys to the nearest destinations from every island. The minister said 6 additional airports are required to implement the policy, adding the administration aims to develop the new 6 airports before the current five-year term which concludes in November 2023.
Planning Minister Aslam also spoke on the importance of a public transport system in Maldives. The minister said a more efficient and an affordable transport network development is essential, regardless of the development of airports across the country. He further promised to begin the development of such a public transport system to interconnect all islands in Maldives.
The State Budget 2020 has an allocation of USD 7.46 million to further develop the regional airports in Kulhudhuffushi, Funadhoo, Faresmaathodaa and Maavaarulu. A new airport will be developed in Muli as part of the electoral pledge of the administration.