Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen has held discussions with the Fuvahmulah City Council on plans to expand the services of Fuvahmulah Airport and strengthen the city’s overall transport network. The meeting was part of the Minister’s visit to the island.
The session was attended by Mayor Ismail Rafeeq and council members, during which a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Ministry and the City Council. The agreement outlines measures to improve the quality of transport services available to residents.
In a statement shared on social media, Minister Ameen said the talks focused on expanding airport operations and enhancing land and sea transport services in line with the government’s efforts to strengthen transport networks nationwide. He noted that the initiatives aim to improve services for residents and bring wider benefits to the city.
The Fuvahmulah Airport, operated by Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), has been the subject of recent assessments. On 6 September, MACL’s Managing Director Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed and a team visited the island to inspect the airport and meet with the City Council. Discussions during that visit covered operational challenges, resource and equipment needs, and the importance of conducting a detailed study on the airport’s current condition.
The Council and MACL also exchanged views on modernising airport services. Fuvahmulah Airport, which opened in November 2011 with a 1,200-metre runway, has been considered for upgrades. Studies conducted last year reviewed options such as extending the runway to 1,800 metres to allow jet landings, expanding the passenger terminal, and developing a dedicated tourism area.
