Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, the presidential candidate of the People's National Congress (PNC), has pledged to develop an airport near Velidhoo, Noonu Atoll.
At a campaign event in Velidhoo, Muizzu said he would take back state control of Vihafaru Finolhu and develop an airport on the island. Vihafaru Finolhu is located near Velidhoo but has been leased for resort development. He highlighted the importance of regions engaged in tourism being in close proximity to an airport and noted that Velidhoo is located in one of the few areas that are not within 30 minutes of an airport. He, therefore, said the solution is to develop an airport in Vihafaru Finolhu after taking the island back under state jurisdiction.
Furthermore, Muizzu pledged to establish a drug rehabilitation centre in Velidhoo and to amend the law to modernise the Drug Court. He also vowed to introduce a law on bail as part of his efforts to reform the judiciary. Bail is the temporary release of an accused person awaiting trial, sometimes on the condition that a sum of money is lodged to guarantee their appearance in court.