Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure has begun accepting proposals for the development of six domestic airports.
The planning ministry stated that it will accept proposals from contractors that wish to develop or finance the development of domestic airports under the guidelines on leasing land for resort development on a cross-subsidy basis. The ministry initially sought contractors to develop domestic airports in December 2021. The ministry is seeking contractors to develop domestic airports in Makunudhoo in Haa Dhaalu Atoll, Bilehfahi in Shaviyani Atoll, Thulhaadhoo in Baa Atoll, Vilufushi in Thaa Atoll, and Magoodhoo in Faafu Atoll. The development of a domestic airport is also planned in Raa Atoll.
The ministry stated the development of the airports is expected to cost USD133 million, and that the airport development in Vilufushi alone is expected to cost USD33 million. Additionally, the airport development in Makunudhoo is expected to cost USD23 million, the airport development in Bilehfahi is expected to cost USD24 million, the airport development in Thulhaadhoo to cost USD22 million, the airport development in Magoodhoo to cost USD8.2 million, and the airport development in Raa Atoll to cost USD24 million. The ministry stated the development of the airports are separate projects and interested companies are required to specify which project they are interested in developing or financing.
The development of the airports is part of the government's pledge to establish airports within 30 minutes of every inhabited island in the Maldives.