President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, on Wednesday, established a fully government-owned company by the name of Regional Airports Company Ltd.
According to the President's Office, the company is intended to "oversee the operations of regional airports developed by the government and to ensure that they are operated in an efficient and sustainable basis".
Including the Velana International Airport in the Greater Male' region, a total of 16 airports scattered across the archipelago will now fall under the mandate of the newly established company.
Prior to this, some of the airports were managed by private companies while most were operated by companies in which the state is a shareholder.
During the year 2020, the state inaugurated four regional airports including the Hoarafushi Airport in Haa Alif Atoll, Funadhoo Airport in Shaviyani Atoll, Madivaru Airport in Lhaviyani Atoll and Maavaarulu Airport in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll.
However, no international airports were unveiled this year due to the travel restrictions implemented amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Sign In