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Four domestic airports to open in 2020

Mariyam Malsa
05 January 2020, MVT 13:30
Funadhoo in Shaviyani Atoll. PHOTO: MIHAARU
Mariyam Malsa
05 January 2020, MVT 13:30

Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Aishath Nahula revealed that four new domestic airports would be inaugurated this year.

Speaking on air during a programme broadcast by VTV, the minister revealed that domestic airports located in Hoarafushi, Haa Alifu Atoll, Funadhoo, Shaviyani Atoll, Madivaru, Lhaviyani Atoll and Maavaarulu, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll would commence operations within the year.

Minister Nahula stated that Funadhoo Airport would open in January, followed by Maavaarulu Airport in March, Madivaru Airport in April and Hoarafushi Airport in August.

Construction work on the airports in Madivaru, Funadhoo and Maavaarulu began in 2018 during the administration of former president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom. The development of Hoarafushi airport was initiated in 2019.

All the aforementioned airports were initially scheduled to open in 2019. The minister attributed the delay to contractors failing to meet deadlines and difficulties in finding trained workers.

In addition to the inauguration of the domestic airports, the transport minister also stated that the decision to expand operations at Hanimaadhoo International Airport was also finalised and would commence in the coming months as well.

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