The government is taking swift action to renovate Kooddoo Airport following the suspension of flights by the state airline Maldivian. Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, Mohamed Ameen, announced on social media that the airline decided to halt operations due to long-standing maintenance issues. The runway's condition had led to damage on two of the airline's planes, raising safety concerns.
In response, the Ministry, alongside the Civil Aviation Authority and the airport operator, has begun efforts to repair and improve the airport's infrastructure. Ameen expressed confidence that the renovation work would be completed soon, allowing flights to resume.
Island Aviation Deputy Managing Director Ali Saleem confirmed that the decision to stop flights was necessary to prevent further damage to their fleet and ensure passenger safety.
He assured that operations would restart once the runway and apron issues are addressed.
Kooddoo Airport, which opened in 2012 and underwent renovations in 2017 to accommodate larger aircraft, is a vital transportation hub. The government’s commitment to restoring the airport is crucial for both local residents and the broader aviation network in the region.