President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has said there are no plans to construct a third airport in Laamu Atoll, clarifying the government’s position on ongoing discussions about airport development in the region.
Speaking at a series of press briefings on Monday, the President reiterated that the government remains committed to building a second airport in the atoll, as previously pledged.
Laamu Atoll currently has one operational airport at Kadhdhoo. The government has proposed developing a second airport, although the exact location has been subject to discussion.
Several islands have expressed interest in hosting the project, including Maavah and Mendhoo, while the government has also received proposals for other sites within the atoll.
President Muizzu said the airport would be developed in a manner that is economically sustainable and aligned with long-term tourism development goals. He added that the most effective way to expand tourism in the Maldives is to develop airports that can support multiple resort developments in surrounding areas.
A video released earlier by the Ministry of Construction and Infrastructure indicated that the second airport is planned for Isdhoo–Kalaidhoo, the northernmost area of the atoll, which has relatively large land availability.
The proposal has drawn concern from residents of Maavah, who have held demonstrations calling for the airport to be built closer to their island.
At the briefing, President Muizzu confirmed that Isdhoo–Kalaidhoo remains the designated location for the project and said there are no plans for any additional airports in the atoll beyond the second facility.
According to the government, the Isdhoo–Kalaidhoo site was selected due to its potential to support balanced population distribution and economic development, as well as its proximity to surrounding uninhabited islands suitable for tourism expansion.
Officials said the airport would also benefit nearby islands including Dhambidhoo and Maabaidhoo, in addition to contributing to broader regional connectivity. However, residents of Maavah would still need to rely on sea transport to access the existing Kadhdhoo airport.
