On 19th November 2020, His Excellency President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih inaugurated the  first airport developed by the current administration at the northernmost Haa Alif Atoll. 

The completed airport features a runway of 1,200 meters as well as an apron of 8,635 square meters, including a taxiway. It  is also equipped with a parking area of 9,473 square feet, a fire access road of 1,718 square feet and an airport security and beach fence of 720 meter.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony which was held in Hoarafushi, President Solih described the airport unveiling as the end of a long wait for the people of Hoarafushi, as well as the entire atoll. He added that this is an important milestone towards decentralization of the country.

The airport will pave the way for tourism development in the whole region. President Solih stated that this is the most optimal time for such an investment in the atoll and urged the Hoarafushi Island Council to proceed with plans for the proposed land plots swiftly.

He went on to highlight that a plot of over 800,000 square foot was placed on tender on Sunday from Kelaa Island, designated for the development of a tourist hotel. This will indeed provide more opportunities to increase local island tourism as well as set the scene for job opportunities for locals and our cultural tourism to flourish.

There are plans to develop a yacht marina in Uligamu Island as  well. A total of 28 yachts made berth in Uligamu before the closure of borders earlier this year. Maldives Customs Services and Maldives Immigration have introduced its services on the island and there has been talks of reductions in berthing fees. Moving forward, this will also have a positive impact on the tourism industry, as we try to recover from the ongoing pandemic and reach higher tourist arrival rates. Not only does this enhance just one segment of the tourism industry in Maldives, it sets the precedent for development of all; resorts, hotels, guest houses and liveaboards.

According to President Solih, there are several tourism projects underway for Haa Alif Atoll, Haa Dhaalu Atoll, Noonu Atoll and Shaviyani Atoll, to commence as early as next year. He also announced the government’s plans to connect airports across the country with international destinations; focusing on Gan International Airport and Hanimaadhoo International Airport.

Further to this, the national airline Maldivian has announced that an additional flight for the upcoming Saturday has been scheduled from Male’ to Hoarafushi Airport due to an increase in public demand. Originally, Maldivian scheduled only one flight between Male’ and Hoarafushi for the month. However, according to the airline, there will be three weekly flights from the beginning of December onwards.