Work on a master plan to manage all airports is currently in progress: President

President Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik has said that the Transport Ministry is currently working on a master plan to manage all the airports operated in the Maldives.

Speaking at the function to open Hanimaadhoo Airport for international flights, the president said that even though the Hanimaadhoo Airport is being made an international along with the temporary changes, the government’s aim is for all projects to be planned in advance, and that the Transport Ministry is in the process of putting together a master plan to manage all the airports in the Maldives.

“I believe that everything should be properly planned in advance, to achieve specific objectives. The Ministry of Transport and Communications is currently working on putting together a master plan to develop the airports in the Maldives. When the master plan is assembled, it will specify the islands for which the airports will be developed. Choosing the islands will be based on the population of that particular region, along with possibility for tourism to be developed in that area,” president Waheed said.

He said that it will prove to be great ease for the people of the area when international flights start operating in Hanimaadhoo, and that it will facilitate for the improvement of the region’s economy along with opportunities for the expansion of tourism. He also said that he was happy to received good news that a large international investment is soon to commence in the region in relation to the airport becoming international.

The President said that the current government has proven itself to the people that it can undertake and conclude projects that will benefit them. He thanked the Indian High Commissioner D. M. Mulay and other parties that had worked towards making the airport open for international flights.

Speaking at the ceremony, Indian High Commissioner to the Maldives D. M. Mulay said there are plans to open an Indian consulate on the island in order to facilitate visas to those who travel from Hanimaadhoo to India. He also praised the Chairman of Island Aviation Bandhu Ibrahim Saleem, saying that it would only take 20 people of Saleem’s calibre to make the country’s economy soar in the sky.

The ceremony also saw the signing of the letters of intent with Island Aviation, to award the company with the management of Laamu Kadhdhoo Airport, and also with Villa Air to award the company with the management of Gaafu Dhaal Kaadedhdhoo Airport. During the ceremony, the president has said that it is being considered extend the permit to Maamiligili Airport to allow it to service international flights in the future.