Land reclamation for the development of Milandhoo Airport, which commenced on the 3rd of this month, was halted on the 6th
The Milandhoo Island Council and local residents have expressed deep concern after land reclamation for the island’s airport project ground to a halt just three days after commencement. With only three percent of the project completed, the council alleges that the suspension is a political reaction to recent election results. Despite President Muizzu’s pledge to complete the entire project within 30 months, all onsite activities have currently ceased.
Land reclamation for the Milandhoo Airport project commenced on the 3rd of this month but was halted by the 6th. The project has been contracted to MACL. | President's Office | president office
The Milandhoo Island Council has reported that land reclamation for the Shaviyani Atoll Milandhoo Airport has come to a standstill, despite physical work having commenced just ahead of the three elections held on April 4.
Milandhoo Council Member Ahmed Shiyam told RaajjeMV that physical work on the land reclamation project for the island's airport commenced on April 3, 2026, but came to a standstill on April 6, 2026. He noted that no further progress has been made on the project since that date.
Referring to the current progress of the project, Shiyam stated that approximately 3 percent of the work has been completed.
Furthermore, Shiyam stated that the land reclamation for the airport was initiated in connection with the local council elections, the Women's Development Committee elections, and the constitutional referendum. He noted that despite these efforts, the government suffered embarrassing defeats in the island across all three votes. He further suggested that the project appears to have been halted as a direct consequence of these unfavorable election results.
On October 15, 2025, the Milandhoo airport development project was officially contracted to the Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), with physical works commencing on the same day.
During his visit to the island that day, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu stated that the airport development project was awarded to MACL with a scope that includes reclaiming 40 hectares of land and relocating the harbor.
President Muizzu stated that the land reclamation phase is expected to be completed within a maximum of eight months from its commencement, while the entire airport project is slated for completion within 30 months from today.
The land reclamation phase of this project is expected to be completed within a maximum of eight months from today. We anticipate that the entire airport development will be finalized within 30 months, or two and a half years at most. Consequently, within this 30-month timeframe, we will complete the relocation of the existing harbor, the construction of the new harbor, and the development of the airport. God willing, the airport will be finished and officially inaugurated within this period.Milandhoo Council Member Ahmed Shiyam
Residents of Milandhoo are expressing growing concern over the lack of progress on the island's airport project and other development initiatives promised by President Muizzu. The Milandhoo airport stands as the most significant pledge made to the island, viewed as a critical catalyst for the development of both the community and the surrounding region.
