President Dr Mohamed Waheed has said the Hanimaadhoo International Airport would become a leading hub for economic development. He made this statement while speaking at the ceremony held Saturday afternoon to open the Hanimaadhoo International Airport.
He said the upgrade of the Hanimaadhoo airport to an international airport would help encourage regional development. He said with the availability of visa opportunity from Hanimaadhoo would facilitate people who visit India for medical and other purposes. Moreover, he said in addition to the increase in job opportunities, the airport would also open new avenues for regional tourism development.
The President highlighted that following the transition of Hanimaadhoo airport to an international airport, generous investments are now expected to reach the shores of the region.
In his speech, President Waheed underscored the need to plan and work towards a definite goal. In this regard, he said the Ministry of Transport and Communication was working on an airport development master plan which would include the islands for airport development. He said the size of the population and the scope of tourism development islands would be considered when deciding the islands for airport development.
“The government’s policy is to ensure all the airports that are developed, deliver sustainable profits. It is also the government’s policy to privatize the operation and management of domestic airports” said the President.
He noted that providing new opportunities for businesses while facilitating economic development was a top priority of the government. Continuing in this regard, he announced that the government is now considering to permit the development of Maamigili airport to an international airport. In addition, he said the government has decided to start seaplane services across the country.
At the ceremony, President Waheed was presented with a commemorative plaque, on behalf of the people of Hanimaadhoo.
