President-elect Muizzu Announces Plans for 13 New Domestic Airports

President-elect Dr Mohamed Muizzu has unveiled his plans to construct 13 new domestic airports. This announcement was made during the Hotelier Maldives General Manager (GM) Forum, where Muizzu highlighted the importance of these airports in developing the tourism industry and addressing travel challenges within the country.

Currently, the Maldives operates 16 domestic airports, some of which have limited flight activity. Muizzu, during his presidential campaign, emphasised the need for tourism development in these areas to fully utilise the regional benefits of these airports.

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Muizzu also revealed additional initiatives to enhance the country’s aviation and tourism sectors. His plans include opening the new Velana International Airport (VIA) for the upcoming peak tourism season and establishing a seaplane hub in the southern region to expand tourism throughout the nation. The expansion of International Aviation Services Limited (IASL) and the resumption of wide-body operations are also part of his agenda.

Furthermore, President-elect Muizzu’s administration aims to promote Maldivian tourism products and increase the involvement of Maldivian diplomatic missions in tourism promotion. He highlighted the positive impact of tourism on livelihoods and pledged to ensure the well-being of tourism employees with fair compensation and more family time. Additionally, he committed to introducing special retirement and social housing schemes for tourism workers.