The idea of developing short airstrips capable of handling small aircraft has been raised as a possible alternative to constructing multiple domestic airports across the Maldives, amid ongoing discussions on improving inter-island connectivity.
The proposal surfaced during the Youth Coffee with President event held last night, where a participant suggested exploring options beyond full-scale airport development, including the use of seaplane-style operations. In response, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu indicated that while seaplanes remain an important part of the country’s transport network, their inability to operate at night presents a significant limitation.
As an alternative, the administration is considering the feasibility of establishing short airstrips on larger islands or islands with sufficient available land. These airstrips would be designed to accommodate small aircraft comparable in size to seaplanes but fitted with wheels, allowing them to land and take off from runways rather than water.
According to the outline shared at the event, such operations would not require full-scale airport infrastructure. An airstrip of roughly 600 metres would be sufficient to handle aircraft of this category, potentially expanding access to air transport without the cost and complexity associated with building new airports.
The approach is presented as a way to reduce the need for multiple airport projects while still improving connectivity between islands. However, the discussion comes alongside an existing government policy aimed at ensuring that every inhabited island is within 30 minutes of an airport. The administration has also previously committed to constructing several new airports as part of its broader infrastructure agenda.
How short airstrips might fit into this wider policy framework, and whether they could supplement or replace planned airport projects, remains subject to further technical and policy evaluation.
