Construction of the new domestic airport in HDh. Makunudhoo is gathering pace, with structural works now underway on a project expected to significantly change how residents of the geographically isolated island travel to the rest of the country.
Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) said lean concrete works have been completed as part of the airport development, while rebar bending and column casting are currently in progress.
The latest update marks further progress on a project that has been eagerly awaited by Makunudhoo residents, who currently face lengthy and costly journeys when travelling outside the island.
Makunudhoo sits at a considerable distance from the main population centres of Haa Dhaalu Atoll and has a population of more than 1,000 people.
Despite being part of the same atoll, residents travelling to Malé by air currently have to first make the journey by sea to Kulhudhuffushi before continuing their trip by domestic flight.
Haa Dhaalu Atoll currently has two operational airports, Hanimaadhoo International Airport and Kulhudhuffushi Airport. Makunudhoo’s location away from both has meant air connectivity available elsewhere in the atoll has provided less convenience to the island’s residents.
The cost and time involved in those journeys have consequently remained a concern for the community, particularly for residents who need to travel frequently.
Developing an airport directly on Makunudhoo is expected to substantially improve that connectivity while potentially opening new economic opportunities for the island.
Major groundwork required for the airport has already been completed.
Land reclamation and coastal protection works were carried out by Big Fish Maldives under a project awarded in 2023.
A total of 43.12 hectares of land was reclaimed to create space required for the development, while 3,493 metres of revetment was constructed to protect the reclaimed area.
With the reclamation stage completed, attention has shifted towards constructing the infrastructure required for the airport.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has previously identified completion of Makunudhoo Airport as a priority for the government.
During a visit to the island in August 2025, the Makunudhoo Island Council raised the need to accelerate the airport project during discussions with the President. The President provided updates on ongoing development projects and assured the council that its concerns would receive consideration.
For residents, expectations surrounding the airport extend beyond easier journeys to Malé.
The community hopes direct air connectivity will help stimulate broader economic and infrastructure development on Makunudhoo, creating opportunities that have historically been constrained by the island’s remote location.
Improved connectivity could also make it easier for residents to access services elsewhere in the country and reduce their dependence on lengthy sea transfers before reaching an airport.
The airport forms part of a wider expansion of domestic aviation infrastructure across the Maldives, where airports have increasingly been used to improve connectivity between remote island communities and regional population centres.
For Makunudhoo, however, the project addresses a particularly practical problem. Despite two airports already operating within Haa Dhaalu Atoll, the island’s geographical isolation means reaching either airport can itself require a significant journey.
With reclamation and shore protection complete and construction now progressing, the long-awaited airport is moving closer towards providing Makunudhoo with its own direct connection to the country’s domestic aviation network.
