President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has officially inaugurated Madivaru Airport in Lhaviyani Atoll, completing the integration of all northern atolls with airports.
Madivaru Airport was officially inaugurated on February 18, as part of President Solih’s three-day trip to six islands of Lhaviyani Atoll. The inauguration ceremony was attended by cabinet ministers and several senior officials of the government.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, President Solih emphasised the significance of connectivity to the administration’s decentralisation policy, stating that with the inauguration of the Madivaru Airport in Lhaviyani Atoll, every atoll north of Male’ has been integrated with an airport. The president described this as a joyous occasion for the people and resort operators in Lhaviyani Atoll. He envisioned that it would accelerate the socio-economic development of the atoll, noting it would create new jobs and aid in the promotion of tourism in the region, for resorts, guest houses, and homestay facilities alike, in addition to other economic activities.
The new airport was developed by Kuredu Holdings Private Limited and would be operated by Island Aviation Services Limited. President Solih highlighted that the new airport was fully equipped and urged the airport operator to provide reliable and quality services to the residents and tourists visiting the atoll.
Continuing in this regard, President Solih reaffirmed his commitment to continue the development of domestic airports within 30 minutes of every inhabited island. He also noted that the developer of Madivaru Airport is currently preparing for expansion, which would see it develop into an international airport.
Speaking further, President Solih noted another two airports will be inaugurated this year. As such, he noted the airports in Faresmaathoda, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll and Muli, Meemu Atoll are on schedule to be completed by this year.
In his speech, the president also highlighted the importance placed by the administration to establish a conducive environment for local businesses. Noting national development cannot be achieved without collaborative efforts between the government and businesses, the president said the administration is working on removing the obstacles faced by businesses and establishing a convenient legal framework for the operation of businesses.
Madivaru Airport is equipped with a 1200-metre runway and can accommodate four planes at a time. The airport terminal also comes with an 80-passenger VIP lounge. During the inauguration ceremony, the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation presented Island Aviation Service Ltd with the aerodrome certification for the airport.
As part of his ongoing three-day, six-island visit to Lhaviyani Atoll, President Solih would also travel to Hinnavaru, Felivaru, Naifaru, Olhuvelifushi, and Kurendhoo. He is accompanied by a high-level delegation from the government.