Hulhumeedhoo requires separate airport: Shahid

Although Gan in Addu City has an international airport, Hulhumeedhoo; which lies entirely separate from the rest of the connected islands now needs its own airport, MP Mohamed Shahid told Parliament today.

Speaking during the debate on the Civil Aviation Bill, Shahid, one of the most senior members of the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC), said the geographical separation of Hulhudhoo and Meedhoo from the main Addu landmass justifies the need for a dedicated airport.

“The sea between Hulhumeedhoo and the rest of Addu makes travel difficult, especially during rough weather,” he said.

While Gan airport, developed during by the British, is currently being expanded, MP Shahid said that this does not serve Hulhumeedhoo’s residents adequately. It takes roughly 20 minutes by speedboat to reach Gan from Hulhumeedhoo.

According to the latest census:

- Hulhudhoo and Meedhoo have a combined population of 3,074 (1,182 in Hulhudhoo, 1,892 in Meedhoo).

- The islands connected to Hithadhoo; Feydhoo, Maradhoo, and Maradhoofeydhoo, have a combined population of 21,979.

"About 300 to 400 people travel daily between Hulhumeedhoo and the rest of Addu," MP Shahid said.

He also added that he was working on designating Hulhudhoo and Meedhoo as a separate city.

“This is not an impossible task. It is vital for the rights and development of the people of Hulhumeedhoo. We have been elected to complete this work. Hopefully, we will see it happen during this administration.”

A presidential pledge by President Mohamed Muizzu is the construction of a bridge linking Hithadhoo and Meedhoo. The government has reiterated that this promise will be realized within his term. In February last year, Arab Contractors – Osman Ahmed Osman & Co. was awarded the contract to build the bridge which is abour 13-15km.

However, Shahid noted that many in Hulhumeedhoo feel overlooked in favour of the connected islands of Hithadhoo, Feydhoo, Maradhoo, and Maradhoofeydhoo, all governed under the Addu City Council.

“There’s a longstanding concern that most infrastructure development and resources are channeled to those areas, leaving Hulhumeedhoo behind,” he said.