Hoarafushi Domestic Airport, Maldives’ “first beach front airport”, is officially open for business.

While the first official flight landed there on Thursday afternoon, carrying President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, an official inauguration ceremony was held in the evening.

A number of government officials traveled to the island in Haa Alifu atoll, to attend the ceremony, including Transport Minister Aishath Nahula.

This is President Solih’s first trip outside the capital region since the Covid-19 pandemic.

National Airline, Maldivian, conducted its test flight to the airport on Monday. They are to start scheduled flights to Hoarafushi Domestic Airport from November 26.

Hoarafushi constituency MP Ahmed Saleem welcomed the president on the runway, and a number of residents had gathered near the harbour to greet the president.

The island council assured that the event was held as per the Health Protection Agency (HPA)’s Covid-19 guidelines.

The airport was to be opened on Tuesday, but was delayed due to adverse weather conditions.

Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) was contracted the MVR 198 million project in March 2019. The development of the airport terminal and fire building were contracted this September, with MTCC saying that this adds an additional expense of MVR 13.8 million.

The project includes the construction of a runway measuring 1,200 meters, an apron and taxiway measuring 8,635 square meters, a parking area measuring 9,473 square meters as well as service roads in front of the terminal.

President Solih is scheduled to depart Hoarafushi at around 6:15pm, to return to the capital.