Work on five airports currently underway, though contract for Isdhoo-Kalaidhoo airport has not yet been finalized: Minister
19 އޮކްޓޯބަރު 2026 | ހޯމަ 07:52Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Dr. Abdulla Muththalib has stated that airport development projects across five islands are currently in various stages of progress and will not require additional budgetary allocations. However, local residents and island councils have expressed significant concern over the perceived stagnation of work at several sites. Additionally, the Minister confirmed that MVR 600 million has been earmarked in the budget specifically for the development of the Isdhoo-Kalaidhoo airport in Laamu Atoll.
Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Dr. Abdulla Muththalib speaking in parliament. | People's Majlis
Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Dr. Abdulla Muththalib, has stated that development work is currently underway at five airports across the Maldives.
During Monday's parliamentary sitting, Dr. Ahmed Shamheed, the Member for South Hulhumalé, questioned Minister Muththalib regarding the status of ongoing airport development projects across the country. The MP sought clarification on which specific airports are currently under physical construction and requested an estimate of the additional funding required to bring these projects to completion.
In a written response to the inquiry, the Minister stated that five airport development projects are currently underway under contracts managed by the Ministry.
The Minister stated that these efforts are proceeding in various stages and noted that the projects are not expected to require funding beyond the allocated budget.
In his response, the Minister stated that the contract for the L. Isdhoo-Kalaidhoo airport has not yet been signed. However, he noted that the 600 million Rufiyaa required for the project has already been allocated and secured in the budget. The government first announced its decision to develop an airport on the island in June of this year.
Despite the Minister's assurances that airport projects are progressing, concerns regarding the complete halt of work are being voiced by nearly all affected islands. Residents and local councils of islands where foundation stones have already been laid are expressing particular frustration, noting that no actual construction work is currently taking place at these sites.
