President Mohamed Muizzu has announced the completion of land reclamation for the planned airport in Sh. Milandhoo, describing it as a major step forward in delivering on a key campaign pledge to the island’s residents.
According to the President, the reclamation work, which began on April 3, was completed within 31 days. A total of 21 hectares of land was reclaimed for the project using the dredger “Queen of the Netherlands,” while an additional 4.9 hectares of vegetation has been cleared at the designated airport site.
The project is expected to require a total of 25.9 hectares upon completion.
The development of the airport was formally launched in October last year during a visit by President Muizzu to the atoll. The project has been awarded to Maldives Airports Company Limited, with an overall completion timeline of two and a half years.
Sh. Milandhoo Airport Reclamation Completed.
– Commencement Date: 03rd April 2026
– Completion date: 04th May 2026
– Duration: 31 Days
– Reclaimation Total Area: 21 Ha
– Area Reclaimed: 21 Ha
– Percentage completed: 100%
– Tree Removal area existing island: 4.9Ha
– Total… pic.twitter.com/4OyqPYWOms— Dr Mohamed Muizzu (@MMuizzu) May 5, 2026
Milandhoo, home to a population of over 2,000 residents, has long advocated for the development of an airport. The President had previously identified the project as one of his key pledges to the island, stating that planning and implementation followed consultations with the community to determine the most suitable location and approach.
As part of the project, the existing harbor in Milandhoo will be relocated to facilitate airport construction, with the scope of work incorporated into the overall contract.
The Milandhoo project marks the fourth airport development initiative in Shaviyani Atoll. While an operational airport already exists in Sh. Funadhoo, additional airport developments are currently underway in Bileffahi and Komandoo.
The completion of reclamation represents a significant milestone as the project moves into its next phase of development, bringing the long-anticipated airport closer to reality for the residents of Milandhoo.
