Regional Airport Company Limited has stated it has formulated plans to become a profitable business.
The government established the Regional Airports Company in 2020 to improve the operations of airports in the atolls. The company is currently operating Hoarafushi Airport, Kulhudhuffushi Airport, Funadhoo Airport, Maavarulu Airport, Fuvahmulah Airport, and Haminaadhoo International Airport.
Speaking to PSM News, Director Saudhulla Ahmed said that Regional Airports Company brought significant improvements to the airports in its first year alone. He said the initial challenge was to determine the state of operations and implement the restructuring process at the airports. He noted that some of the management had not properly allocated the duties and responsibilities of its staff and had neglected to provide the most basic services. He detailed the company had found that some airports had faulty machinery, no fences, damaged runways, and broken fire trucks.
As such, Saudhulla said the company had to spend its first year determining the extent of the issues at the airports and providing the necessary equipment and resources. He said the airports now have fire trucks and safety equipment, and that work is ongoing to transport x-ray machines to replace the damaged ones.
Furthermore, Saudhulla said that Regional Airports Company has formulated a business development plan to make itself self-sufficient and profitable. He also said the airports will be expanded to facilitate businesses and establish cold storage facilities.
Regional Airports Company has stated it also plans to establish waiting areas for passengers with shops, cafés, and huts, as some airports in the Maldives are developed on uninhabited islands.