President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Friday afternoon emphasised the significance of connectivity to the administration’s decentralisation policy, stating that with the inauguration of the Madivaru Airport in Lhaviyani Atoll, every atoll north of Malé has been integrated with an airport. He was speaking after officially inaugurating the new airport developed on Madivaru Island.
President Solih described this as a joyous occasion for the people and resort operators in Faadhippolhu Atoll. He envisioned that it would accelerate the socio-economic development of the atoll. He noted that it would create new jobs and aid in the promotion of tourism in the region, for resorts, guest houses, and homestay facilities alike, in addition to other economic activities.
The new airport was developed by Kuredu Holdings Pvt Ltd and would be operated by Island Aviation Services Ltd. President Solih highlighted that the new airport was fully equipped and urged the airport operator to provide reliable and quality services to the residents and tourists visiting the atoll.
Continuing in this regard, President Solih reaffirmed his commitment to continue the development of domestic airports within 30 minutes of every inhabited island. He also noted that the developer of Madivaru Airport is currently preparing for expansion, which would see it develop into an international airport.
The Madivaru Airport is equipped with a 1200-metre runway and can accommodate four aeroplanes at a time. The airport terminal also comes with an 80-passenger VIP lounge. The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation today presented Island Aviation Service Ltd with the aerodrome certification for the airport.
As part of his ongoing three-day, six-island visit to Lhaviyani Atoll, President Solih would also travel to Hinnavaru, Felivaru, Naifaru, Olhuvelifushi, and Kurendhoo islands. He is accompanied by a high-level delegation from the government.
