A Moment We Have Been Waiting For, The Northernmost Airport Has Finally Been Inaugurated!

The northernmost airport to be developed in the Maldives is situated at the island of Hoarafushi in Haa Alif Atoll. Last Thursday, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, inaugurated the airport on his first visit outside the Greater Male’ Region since the outbreak of COVID-19. This is the first airport to be developed in his administration which is a part of its broader plan of decentralization of the country.

(Photo Credit: Presidency Maldives)

Hoarafushi Airport was developed by Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC); a project which was valued at MVR 198 million. They concluded work on the airport early this month. Following this, on 16^th November, tests flights were successfully conducted on the airport without any complications.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the President notes that this is the beginning of the development of Haa Alif Atoll as a whole. In this regard, he notes that the establishment of the airport is expected to ease travel for all the residents. It has effectively created more job opportunities. Most importantly, this opens doors for the development of tourism in the region. Apart from this, it created an optimal time for the development of other sectors of the atoll as well.

(Photo Credit: Presidency Maldives)

The president extended his gratitude for all those involved in the project specifically highlighting the work of MTCC, Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation, Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure.

According to Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, Ms. Aishath Nahula, commercial flights to the airport is scheduled to commence in a week’s time.