The busiest domestic airport, Dharavandhoo Airport, will be transferred under Island Aviation Services by the end of the month, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced today.
The President revealed this in today's annual presidential address in parliament, where he added that development of this airport would also be commenced in the near future.
President Muizzu announced that operation and ownership of Dharavandhoo Domestic Airport will be transferred to Island Aviation during a meeting with the island's residents in August last year.
He said then that following talks with the investing company, the airport's ownership will be handed over to Island Aviation, which will develop it to the government's expected standards.
The Dharavandhoo Domestic Airport, opened 14 years ago on October 17, 2012, was developed by Coastline Hotels and Resorts. The airport is now operated by Island Aviation.
In December last year, Island Aviation signed a design and consultancy agreement with a private company to enhance the airport's services and expand its terminal.
Key points about airports in presidential address
- Work on developing a second airport in Laamu atoll will be commenced this year
- Work on the new Terminal 1 of Velana International Airport was completed, and the airport made operation on July 26 last year.
- Work on the new terminal at Hanimaadhoo International Airport was also completed, with the airport inaugurated on November 9 last year.
- M. Muli Domestic Airport was also opened on May 8 last year.
- The national airline launched the services of a wide-body aircraft last year. An additional wide-body aircraft will be brought in this year.
- Work commenced last year on the new terminal at N. Maafaru International Airport
- Airport development work will proceed in HDh. Dhihdhoo, HDh. Makunudhoo, Sh. Bileiyfahi, Sh. Komandoo, Sh. Milandhoo, N. Vihafaru, R. Alifushi, R. Fainu, B. Thulhaadhoo, AA. Mathiveri, F. Nilendhoo, F. Magoodhoo, Th. Guraidhoo, Th. Vilufushi, L. Kahdhoo, GA. Vilin'gili, GDh. Kaadhehdhoo and Gan, Addu.
- Airport upgrading work at various stages are proceeding in HA. Hoarafushi, HDh. Kulhudhuhfushi, Sh. Funadhoo, GA. Maavaarulu and Fuvahmulah.
- Nigh flight operation accommodations were made at all local airports last year.
- Special flights of small, wheel-based planes have been introduced this month to Addu, Fuvahmulah, GA. and GDh. atolls.
- Airports at HA. Hoarafushi, HA. Dhihdhoo, HDh. Kulhudhuhfushi, and HDh. Makunudhoo have been connected through a small, wheel-based plane flight route.
- Seaplane flights have been introduced to N. Velidhoo, B. Kamadhoo, B. Fulhadhoo.
- Seaplane flights will be introduced to AA. Thoddoo as well within this month.
