Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Aishath Nahula has revealed all future airport development projects would be conducted by Ministry of National Planning and Infrastructure.
Speaking at the Parliamentary Committee on National Development and Heritage, the transport minister noted the efforts and expenditure by the administration in developing airports across the country.
Including Velana International Airport (VIA), Hanimaadhoo International Airport and Gan International Airport, there are 13 airports in operation in Maldives. A further 6 airports are currently under development and is scheduled to be in operation by the end of 2020.
The administration aims to complete the development and begin operations at Funadhoo, Maafaru and Maavaarulu before the end of the year, while there are plans to bring the airports in Hoarafushi, Madivaru and Faresmaathoda in to operation next year.
With the high number of resorts opening in Maldives, the increase in the number of airports in operation would be pivotal in increasing the occupancy rates of the resorts, according to the minister.