Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Aishath Nahula has revealed discussions are underway with the relevant authorities to increase the number of flights to Hoarafushi Airport in Haa Alifu Atoll.
Responding to questions at the Parliament of the Maldives, Minister Nahula said the ministry has been notified of the low number of flights to Hoarafushi Airport. The minister noted that scheduled flights to a destination are based on demand and that the national airline, Maldivian, has stated that it has commenced an adequate number of flights to Horafushi Airport. However, she said the ministry has received complaints of lack of slots from the flights and is in discussions to solve the issue and cater to the demands.
Furthermore, Minister Nahula said Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) was contracted to complete construction of the Hoarafushi Airport jetty in August, to be completed in 150 days. She said MTCC has informed that the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) is currently ongoing at the project site.
Meanwhile, Minister Nahula said Madivaru Airport in Lhaviyani Atoll will be completed and opened by the end of the year.
The government contracted Kurehdhoo Holdings Private Limited to develop a domestic airport in Madivaru in 2018. The company has contracted Beijing Urban Construction Group (BUCG) to complete the fieldwork for the project. It is expected to complete the project and open the airport on December 31.
Madivaru Airport consists of a 1,200 metre runway, terminal, aircraft parking area, and a fire building. Kurehdhoo Holdings also plans to build a city hotel on the island and is currently seeking a contractor to operate the airport.