If the capacity to operate flights to Addu in line with demand does not exist, opportunities must be granted to other parties; however, this administration is acting arbitrarily: MP Abdul Rahman

The independent Member of Parliament for the Addu Meedhoo constituency, Abdul Rahman, has stated that if the current capacity is insufficient to meet the travel demand to Addu City, opportunities must be opened for other providers. He further criticized the administration, alleging that it is treating the residents of Addu with blatant disregard.

Expressing concern over the failure to increase flight capacity to Addu City in line with demand, MP Abdul Rahman stated in a social media post that securing seats on Maldivian flights between Addu and Male' has recently become nearly impossible. He noted that while flight frequencies remain stagnant, other operators are also being denied the opportunity to serve the route.

Highlighting the challenges faced by Addu residents planning to visit their families during the final ten days of Ramadan and the upcoming Eid holidays, MP Abdul Rahman noted that many who wished to stay until the festivities are being forced to depart early due to a lack of available travel slots. He emphasized that this shortage of transport capacity has become a persistent issue, rather than one confined to specific holiday periods.

MP Abdul Rahman stated that if the government and the national carrier, Maldivian, lack the capacity to operate flights in line with demand, then other operators must be granted the opportunity to fly. He further alleged that the current administration is treating the people of Addu with total disregard, claiming that officials alter flight schedules for campaign trips as if the aircraft were their own private vessels. He added that such actions ultimately result in significant hardship and loss for the general public.

The government is exploiting the people of Addu through Maldivian’s monopoly, treating the public with utter disregard. Despite the severe shortage of flights, officials are treating these aircraft like their private vessels, altering schedules to suit their campaign convenience. This practice causes the greatest hardship to passengers relying on connecting flights. Flights are being delayed at the whim of ministers and members of parliament—forced to wait until they finish bathing, conclude their meetings, or even finish their coffee.

Abdul Rahman, the independent Member of Parliament for the Addu Meedhoo constituency.

Furthermore, MP Abdul Rahman stated that the people of Addu are promised the moon and stars ahead of every election. However, he noted that while Addu is prioritized in rhetoric, no genuine priority has been given to the city despite more than two years having passed since the administration took office.

In 2023, the current cabinet ministers promised that if they came to power, they would "bring down the stars" for the people. Then, in 2024, they claimed that if they secured a parliamentary majority, they would bring down even the most distant stars. The public has now granted them both the presidency and the parliament. Yet, they are now asserting that the stars can only be reached if they also control the local councils. In reality, the only thing established in Addu was a drone base. After the state spent millions of dollars, the only thing they managed to "bring down" were those drones. That is the extent of their accomplishments.

Highlighting the urgent need for development in Addu City, MP Abdul Rahman stated that the city requires more than just basic road infrastructure and electricity services. He emphasized that the residents of Addu are seeking comprehensive growth, including a fish processing factory, the bridge project, and improved access to medicine and healthcare. Furthermore, he noted that the community expects the creation of 10,000 jobs through the "Asseyri Tourism" project.

MP Abdul Rahman stated that he would not hesitate to speak out if President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu fails to fulfill his campaign pledges. He further emphasized that the government should not assume the majority of Addu City residents are beholden to them for employment or driven by self-interest. Abdul Rahman added that there is currently no reason to praise the government.