5 airports scheduled to begin operations this year: Minister

Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, Aishath Nahula, has revealed that five airports are scheduled to begin operations this year.

In an interview to VTV's "Fasmanzaru" program on Wednesday, the minister expressed her high hopes for economic growth and easier access to transportation following the launch of additional airports set to begin operations this year.

She revealed that the ministry is currently making preparations to open airports in Funadhoo island of Shaviyani atoll, Maavarulu island of Gaaf Dhaal atoll, Madivaru island of Lhaviyani atoll, Hoarafushi island of Haa Alif atoll and Faresmaathoda island of Gaafu Dhaal atoll.

As such, the minister disclosed that Funadhoo airport will be the first to open with operations scheduled to launch in January, followed closely by the airport in Maavarulu island set to open in March.

Additionally, construction of Madivaru airport is expected to finish by April said the minister, adding that operations will launch in the same month whereas the airport in the minister's native island of Hoarafushi is set to open in August.

Stating that there were difficulties in launching the airports as per the scheduled dates, the minister revealed that work on the Faresmaathoda airport underwent several changes. Nevertheless, while she assured that the airports will begin operations as scheduled, she did not disclose the exact date that the Faresmaathoda airport will open.

The minister further stated that a special highlight of these airports is that all the staff will be specially trained professionals, adding that this has been a cause of delay in opening the airports in addition to delays from the contractor responsible for the airport construction.