Infrastructure Minister Cites Tourism Potential in Laamu Airport Decision

The government has defended its decision to develop a second airport in Laamu Atoll at Isdhoo-Kalaidhoo, stating that the island was selected after assessing its potential to support long-term economic and tourism development.

Speaking in Parliament on Monday, Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Dr Abdulla Muththalib said the government evaluated several factors before deciding on the airport’s location, including island size, population and opportunities for future economic growth.

Minister Muththalib said Isdhoo-Kalaidhoo offered strong prospects for tourism development and wider economic expansion, making it the preferred site for the project.

The airport is part of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s 2023 presidential election pledges. During a visit to Laamu Atoll in October last year, the President said the government would determine the airport’s location based on its ability to maximise economic and tourism benefits. The Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development announced in June that Isdhoo-Kalaidhoo had been selected.

The issue was raised in Parliament by opposition Maldivian Democratic Party MPs Ahmed Shakir, representing Maavah, and Mohamed Ibrahim, representing North Galolhu, who questioned whether the government had carried out a financial feasibility study before selecting the site.

In response, Minister Muththalib said only two islands, Isdhoo-Kalaidhoo and Maavah, had formally expressed interest in hosting the airport. He said the government considered the characteristics of both islands before concluding that Isdhoo-Kalaidhoo was the most suitable location.

He also referred to the island’s large land area, noting that it ranks as the fourth-largest island in the Maldives by land mass and offers considerable potential for future development.

When announcing the decision on 22 June, the ministry said Isdhoo-Kalaidhoo’s size also made it suitable for future population relocation. It added that the airport would reduce the current 45-minute boat journey to Kadhdhoo and improve transport links not only for residents of Isdhoo-Kalaidhoo, but also for those living in Dhanbidhoo and Maabaidhoo.

The decision has drawn opposition from residents of Maavah, who argue that their island would have been a more appropriate location. Residents have announced plans to petition President Muizzu to reconsider the decision, citing Maavah’s geographical isolation within Laamu Atoll and the difficulties residents face in accessing essential services.

Laamu Atoll currently has one airport, located in Kadhdhoo.