Hoarafushi Island Council has said the Hoarafushi Airport is a huge symbol of the development brought to the region by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
Speaking to PSM News, President of the Hoarafushi Island Council Mohamed Waheed said the airport has become a means for businesses in Hoarafushi and the entire Haa Alifu Atoll to grow immensely. He said the airport has become the main gateway for the economy of Hoarafushi and the region and that the public accepts the development being brought by the government to the north of the country.
Hoarafushi Airport is the northernmost airport in the country. In addition, the airport brought major progress in the transportation system for the people of Ihavandhippolhu Atoll, the northernmost area of the Maldives.
The development of Hoarafushi Airport was contracted to MTCC in early 2019. A total of 34 hectares of land was reclaimed for the development of the airport and a causeway was built to connect the airport to the island. The construction of an airport jetty began following public concerns over difficulties in reaching Hoarafushi Airport from nearby islands and resorts. Currently, individuals have to travel to the airport by taxi after arriving at the main harbour in Hoarafushi.
The airport, which is dedicated to domestic flights, was launched on November 19, 2020.
Two airlines currently operate flights to Hoarafushi Airport. As such, Maldivian, the national airline, operates four weekly scheduled flights, and Manta Air, a domestic airline, has launched charter flights in collaboration with JA Manafaru Maldives.
The development of airports in the atolls has brought huge benefits to the trade and economy across the country.