Relocation plan to be formulated to resolve housing construction issues near Kulhudhuffushi Airport: Ahmed Abdulla

Kulhudhuffushi City Deputy Mayor Ahmed Abdulla has announced that a specialized relocation plan will be developed for households adjacent to the Kulhudhuffushi Airport, following building restrictions imposed in the area.

Speaking at the MDP’s "Siyaasathu Jalsaa 2," the Deputy Mayor stated that opposition groups are spreading misinformation by claiming the City Council is responsible for the restrictions preventing high-rise developments on plots adjacent to the airport. Clarifying the situation to the public, Abdulla explained that the issue stems from regulations enforced by relevant government authorities. He further noted that the restricted zone currently designated by the government is twice as large as the area initially projected to be affected by construction limitations when the airport was first established.

"When residents living near the airport apply for construction permits, regulations require them to obtain clearance from the Civil Aviation Authority. In one instance, a homeowner requested permission to build a five-story structure, but the Civil Aviation Authority only authorized two stories," Abdulla stated.

The Deputy Mayor noted that during a meeting held between the City Council and Civil Aviation regarding this issue, the authority stated that no building in the area east of the airport runway could exceed two stories. He further highlighted that a chart accompanying a letter received in October 2025 reveals this decision to be arbitrary and politically motivated.

What we are asserting is that this cannot proceed in the absence of established rules and regulations. Any environmental impact must be strictly confined to the areas initially identified during the airport's original construction; no damage should occur beyond those boundaries. This remains the official stance of the Council.

Ahmed Abdulla, Deputy Mayor of Kulhudhuffushi City

Clarifying the City Council's stance, Deputy Mayor Abdulla stated that the impact of the airport development must not extend beyond the areas initially identified during the planning phase. Furthermore, the Deputy Mayor assured residents that the City Council will formulate a comprehensive relocation plan for households affected by the airport project.

During the MDP’s policy rallies, the party highlighted the obstacles to Kulhudhuffushi’s development caused by government negligence, while also detailing the City Council’s ongoing efforts to address the concerns of the residents.