Govt studies airstrip option as alternative to new airports
He said alternatives such as seaplane operations had been considered, but noted that seaplanes are limited by their inability to operate at night.
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President Mohamed Muizzu said on Tuesday that the government is studying the option of constructing airstrips capable of accommodating small aircraft as an alternative to building full airports on nearby islands.
The president made the remarks during a meeting with young people, where concerns were raised about the cost of airport construction and the environmental impact on islands. Participants suggested that expanding airport infrastructure places pressure on public finances and affects island ecosystems.
Muizzu said that during his visits to islands, residents frequently request the construction of airports, and that such demands have been made across several communities. However, he said the concerns raised by young people about cost and environmental impact were valid.
He said alternatives such as seaplane operations had been considered, but noted that seaplanes are limited by their inability to operate at night.
As an alternative, the president said the government is examining the feasibility of constructing airstrips of around 600 metres in larger islands with sufficient land area. These airstrips would be designed to support small aircraft.
“The next step is to look at building airstrips in larger islands, even if they are not full-scale airports,” he said, adding that a study on the proposal is currently under way.
