Nasheed Criticises Widespread Airport Development Across Maldives

Former President Mohamed Nasheed has criticised the government’s approach to developing airports on nearly every inhabited island in the Maldives.

Following the inauguration of Muli Airport by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu yesterday, Nasheed voiced his concerns in a post on X. He acknowledged the importance of improving inter-island transport and “freeing” communities from isolation, but argued that building an airport on every island would harm national development.

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The current administration has pledged to ensure that every inhabited island lies within a 30-minute drive of an airport and has projects planned to reach this goal during their tenure.

Dhathurufathuruge nizaamakun Raajjeyge rahthah gulhaalaa, Rayyithun rashu bandhun filuvumakee konmehen beynuntheri kameh. Ehenas Raajjeyge konme rashehgai airporteh elhumakee Raajjeyge tharaggee ah oiy nuhanu bodu huraheh. Kulhudhuffushi airport akee ves varah dherakoh kurevifai…— Mohamed Nasheed (@MohamedNasheed) May 20, 2025

Nasheed cited the Kulhudhuffushi Airport in Haa Dhaalu Atoll as an example of poor planning and execution.

“Kulhudhuffushi Airport has also been poorly executed. An airport in Thinadhoo would similarly be detrimental. Building an airport in Fainu is not good either,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the Raa Atoll Council announced last Thursday that it would hold a public vote to gather community input on whether to proceed with the proposed airport in the southern part of the atoll.