The newly inaugurated Madivaru Airport will boost socio-economic development of the atoll, says President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

President Solih took the podium at the ceremony to inaugurate the Madivaru Airport on Friday, highlighting that every atoll north of Malé City has now been integrated with an airport, with the inauguration of Madivaru Airport.

The president also shed light on the importance of connectivity to the administration’s decentralization policy and expressed his commitment to continue the development of domestic airports within 30 minutes of every residential island.

Describing the opening of Madivaru Airport as a “joyous” occasion for the community and resort operators in Lhaviyani atoll and stated that this is expected to create new jobs and aid the promotion of tourism in the region, for resort, guest houses, and homestay facilities alike, in addition to other economic activities.

Kuredu Holdings Private Limited developed Madivaru Airport, which will be operated by Island Aviation Services Limited.

President Solih also announced that Kuredu Holdings is currently preparing for expansion, meaning the airport will be developed into an international one.

According to the president, the new airport is fully equipped. He urged Island Aviation Services to provide dependable and quality services to the residents of the atoll as well as visiting tourists.

Equipped with a 1,200-meter runway, Madivaru Airport can accommodate four airplanes at a time and comes with a terminal that features a VIP Lounge with an 80-person capacity.

Island Aviation Service was presented with the aerodrome certification for the airport by the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation on Friday as well.

The president is currently on a three-day tour of Lhaviyani atoll, where he will be covering a total of six islands. He is accompanied by a delegation of high-level government officials.