Policy shift: Airstrips to accommodate small aircrafts instead of increasing airports

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced that his administration is researching the feasibility of developing airstrips on islands to accommodate small aircraft landings instead of increasing airports.

A youth questioned the President regarding the current administration’s plans to develop a large number of airports instead of utilizing seaplanes during the ‘Youth Coffee with the President’ session held on Tuesday night.

In his response, the President underscored a significant limitation in the provision of seaplane services—the inability to operate during nighttime hours—necessitating an alternative solution.

The President highlighted the development of island airstrips for aircraft landings as a potential alternative to seaplane services, particularly given operational limitations.

“A possible alternative, and something that has been discussed about among us, is the development of airstrips, even if not too large, in bigger islands with land capacity, allowing seaplane-sized aircraft fitted with wheels to land, including at night,” he detailed.

“We have somewhat explored the development of some 600 meter airstrips which would accommodate seaplanes fitted with wheels to land,” he added.

While there are 18 airports across the Maldives, At present, there are 18 airports across the Maldives, with the current administration having pledged to develop airports to ensure accessibility of an airport within 30 minutes from each island.

The policy has been criticised by many, including former president Mohamed Nasheed, who has argued that the current administration’s airport development plans lack financial feasibility and reflect irresponsibility.

Meanwhile, Firaq Mohamed, the managing director of Inner Maldives, one of Maldives’ biggest travel companies, has stated that the development of airports in near proximity would result in losses to the government which would ultimately be detrimental to the citizens. He added that the policy lacks forward thinking.