An agreement has been signed between the state and a private Thai company to commence the project of constructing an airport in Gdh. Thinadhoo. Highlighting additional benefits of this project, the president assured a duration of two years for its completion.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has stated that the physical work on the International Airport in Gaaf Dhaalu atoll Thinadhoo, contracted to a private company in Thailand that will finance the project, will be concluded within two years. He emphasized that this project will fulfill the hopes and expectations of the Thinadhoo residents.
The President made these remarks following the signing of the agreement between Thailand's Pan Pacific Company Limited and the Maldivian government in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the airport worth approximately USD 600 million.
At the ceremony held in the Gaaf Dhaalu atoll Thinadhoo school, the MoU was signed between Minister of Construction and Infrastructure Dr. Abdulla Muththalib on behalf on the Maldivian government and CEO of Pan Pacific Company Limited Jirat Petnunthawong on behalf of the contractor.
At the meeting with the residents of Thinadhoo, he said that this project was commenced consequent to the high priority he placed in developing Cities across the Maldives and assured that the entire region will see development with the project.
“The increase in airports and resorts, God willing, will ensure not a 20-year master plan but the development of this City for approximately 40 years,” the President said.
He stated that under the Thinadhoo Airport project, an additional 50 hectares will be added to the previously reclaimed land of the island. The President added that the Thinadhoo International Airport’s runway will extend over 4 kilometers, the President highlighted that the floating airport will become a landmark that is recognized worldwide.
President Muizzu said that the first floating terminal will be linked with this airport, and that this development will establish the airport as a destination that will capture the attention of tourists to Thinadhoo City.
The President had highlighted that with the establishment of the eco-friendly airport, employment opportunities for all of the Gaaf Dhaalu atoll will increase.
"As the Minister (Muththalib) highlighted just now, there is a seaplane terminal linked with this. In addition to building a flying school on this island, alongside the establishment of facilities required for air ambulance services, my pledges during my campaign included the introduction of decompression chamber facilities and the development of 12 tourist resorts in the islands of this atoll under this project," the President said, providing further details on the project.
The President said last night that the construction of the airport is feasible to the Thailand company due to these reasons and that this investment of USD 400-600 million will transform Huvadhoo atoll as we know it.
The contractor had proposed to develop 12 resorts in Gaaf Dhaalu atoll, which currently has three tourist resorts, along with the development of the airport. Consequently, the number of beds in the atoll will also increase to up to 2,400.
Speaking at the ceremony held to sign the agreement for this project, Minister Muththalib assured that regardless of the region not being developed due to the negligence of the former governments, President Muizzu will ensure the development of this region by the end of this government’s term. He remarked on the existence of 133 uninhabited islands in Huvadhoo atoll and said that these natural resources will be utilized for suitable development for the people.
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