President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has taken a decisive step toward strengthening domestic air connectivity with the signing of a new agreement to develop an airport in Th. Guraidhoo.
The pact was formalized in a ceremony held last night during President Muizzu’s visit to the island, where he met with local residents. The agreement was signed by Minister of Finance and Planning Moosa Zameer on behalf of the government, and by Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), representing the state-owned airport operator.
A Strategic Gateway for Growth
President Muizzu, addressing the gathering, underscored the strategic importance of the Guraidhoo airport project, describing it as a vital gateway to accelerate progress for both the island and its neighboring communities. He noted that the required land reclamation for the project has already been completed, paving the way for swift development.
According to the President, the airport is expected to be completed within 22 months, providing residents and businesses with improved access to domestic and international travel networks. The project is also anticipated to drive economic activity in central Maldives, particularly in sectors such as tourism, logistics, and trade.
Expanding the Domestic Aviation Network
The Guraidhoo airport initiative forms part of the administration’s broader plan to expand domestic aviation infrastructure, ensuring that every region benefits from faster, more reliable connectivity. Once operational, the facility is expected to ease travel for residents, improve emergency access, and enhance tourism potential in Thaa Atoll, which is home to pristine islands and growing hospitality developments.
By partnering with MACL, which already manages Velana International Airport and several domestic airports, the government aims to leverage the company’s expertise in aviation operations and infrastructure development to deliver the project on schedule.
National Development Agenda
The Muizzu administration has repeatedly emphasized regional equity in infrastructure development, with airports seen as crucial enablers for economic growth across the archipelago. The new Guraidhoo airport aligns with this vision, offering long-term benefits that extend beyond transportation to include job creation, investment attraction, and community development.
With construction expected to conclude in less than two years, the Guraidhoo project is set to become one of the signature infrastructure milestones under President Muizzu’s tenure, marking a tangible step toward transforming Maldives into a more interconnected island nation.
