Kadhdhoo Airport Move Towards a Sustainable Development Plan

The primary aim is to upgrade the Kadhdhoo Airport in a way to reap its benefits in a sustainable manner, Managing Director of Regional Airports Ahmed Mubeen has said.

This Administration awarded the project to upgrade the Kadhdhoo Airport in Laamu Atoll to the Chinese firm, CAMC in April.

Speaking on PSM News’ Raajje Miadhu programme, Regional Airports Company’s Managing Director Ahmed Mubeen said the efforts to secure funding for the Kadhdhoo Airport project are still underway.

He said several issues were identified when the project was drawn up, adding that the project is now being redesigned in collaboration with the relevant authorities.

One of the issues flagged, according to Mubeen, is the encroachment of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) building into the airport expansion.

Plans are being redrawn to work around the issue, he added.

“The runway and the new passenger terminal building works are underway and we have noticed that part of the main building used by the MNDF is encroaching on the expanded area,” Mubeen explained.

“We are exploring ways to work around the issue. We are working with three or four designs. The biggest priority when doing this is to do it right. Planning it in a way that will prove most beneficial in the long run.”

Muben also said the airport project is exploring commercial and trade opportunities in the area, adding that it will be put to the Economic Council once identified.

He said the primary aim is to make Kadhdhoo airport a profitable one. The development of the airport will add 5,000 more beds to tourism in the region, Mubeen added.

As the first domestic airport in the Maldives, developing Kadhdhoo Airport to international standards remains a presidential pledge of incumbent President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.

Kadhdhoo Airport, the first domestic airport in the country, inaugurated on December 6, 1986, has attracted public concerns over years of neglect and lack of renovations in successive governments.