Makunudhoo Airport project has come to a standstill since this administration took office, and this is a matter of great concern: Raee
22 އޯގަސްޓު 2026 | ހޮނިހިރު 11:22Former Member of Parliament Mohamed Raee has expressed concern over the stagnation of the Makunudhoo Airport project, noting that physical works have remained stalled since the change of government despite the completion of land reclamation. Raee highlighted that although President Muizzu pledged to expedite the airport's completion, there has been no progress on this critical project, which remains a vital hope for the residents of the geographically isolated island.
The reclaimed land area designated for the development of Makunudhoo Airport in Haa Dhaalu Atoll. | hdh. makunudhoo council
Mohamed Raee, the former Member of Parliament for the Makunudhoo constituency and a member of the MDP National Congress, has expressed concern over the stalled construction of the airport on the isolated island of Hdh. Makunudhoo.
Speaking on RaajjeTV’s "Vaudhunaama" program, Raee stated that Makunudhoo is a geographically isolated island where residents face significant challenges and hardships regarding transportation.
He noted that the construction of an airport on the island remains a significant aspiration for the residents. He further highlighted that by the end of the previous MDP administration, land reclamation for the airport had been completed and project activities were underway.
Raee stated that the project has come to a standstill and has seen no progress since the change of government.
Since then, the project has remained at a standstill. No significant progress has been made, with work only resuming sporadically. It sits idle for long periods, only for minimal activity to occur whenever the public expresses concern.Mohamed Raee
Furthermore, he noted that despite President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s pledges during the presidential and parliamentary elections to expedite the airport's completion, no progress is currently being made on the project.
Under the administration of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, the land reclamation project for the airport was awarded to Big Fish, a company primarily involved in the fish export industry, under a cross-subsidy model. The reclamation work was carried out between the southern side of the island and Huraa, both of which are located within the same lagoon.
Under the agreement with MTCC, land has been reclaimed to accommodate an 1,800-meter runway, alongside an additional 22 hectares designated for social and community purposes. The government confirmed that while the reclamation for Makunudhoo Airport is complete, MTCC is currently finalizing the necessary shore protection works. Once the airport project is finished, operations are scheduled to be handed over to the Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL).
