Second airport in Laamu Atoll to be developed in Isdhoo-Kalaidhoo

The Ministry of Housing, Land and Urban Development has confirmed that the second airport planned for Laamu Atoll will be developed in Isdhoo-Kalaidhoo.

The project forms part of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's pledges.

The President had previously stated that the airport would be located in an area that supports transport, economic activity and tourism development. In October last year, he told residents of Laamu Atoll that the location would be finalised.

In a video update released on Thursday, the ministry announced that Isdhoo-Kalaidhoo had been selected as the site for the airport.

The ministry said the project is intended to improve transport links and support economic and tourism development in the atoll.

At present, Laamu Atoll is served by a single domestic airport on Kadhdhoo.

Located at the northern end of Laamu Atoll, Isdhoo-Kalaidhoo has a large land area, which the ministry said provides opportunities for future population and infrastructure development.

The ministry added that residents of Isdhoo-Kalaidhoo currently travel around 45 minutes to reach Kadhdhoo Airport. It said the new airport would reduce travel time for residents of Isdhoo-Kalaidhoo and also serve nearby islands, including Maabaidhoo and Dhanbidhoo.

Land reclamation is currently underway in several parts of the Maldives to facilitate airport development projects. However, the expansion of regional airports has also raised questions about the commercial viability of domestic airport operations and services.