President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, on Thursday attended the commencement of land reclamation works for the Vihafaru Airport development in South Miladhunmadulu Atoll (Noonu Atoll), marking a major milestone in the administration’s commitment to decentralised infrastructure growth.
The project, announced through a Presidential Decree in 2024, enters its physical implementation phase in line with assurances given by the President during his atoll tour in July 2025, when he pledged that works would begin in early 2026. The launch underscores the government’s emphasis on credibility in governance and timely delivery of national commitments.
President Muizzu has repeatedly highlighted the strategic importance of establishing an additional airport in the atoll to serve Hulhudhoo, Fodhdhoo, and Velidhoo, alongside the existing Maafaru Airport. He has noted that expanded air connectivity is critical to unlocking new economic activity, strengthening domestic mobility, and broadening tourism opportunities across the northern region.
Under the project, more than 40 hectares of land will be reclaimed and raised to 1.6 metres above sea level upon completion, providing a resilient foundation for long-term aviation and infrastructure development.
The inauguration ceremony was jointly officiated by Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed and Maldives Airports Company Limited Managing Director Ibrahim Shareef. Following the event, the President and accompanying dignitaries conducted an inspection of the project site, reaffirming the administration’s hands-on approach to national development initiatives.
The Vihafaru Airport project is expected to play a transformative role in regional connectivity, reinforcing the government’s broader agenda of balanced economic growth and inclusive development across the Maldives.
