Thinadhoo-Kaadedhdhoo bridge could limit tourism development: Yameen

Former President Abdulla Yameen has said building a bridge between GDh. Thinadhoo and Kaadedhdhoo Airport could limit opportunities to develop tourism in the area, arguing that both islands have potential for resort development.

Yameen made the remarks on Sunday night during a town hall meeting in Thinadhoo, where he is visiting to mark the 60th anniversary of the island’s resettlement.

During the meeting, a resident asked Yameen whether he would implement the proposed bridge between Thinadhoo and Kaadedhdhoo if he returned to office.

Yameen said the decision should be made by the people of Thinadhoo, noting that a bridge would improve transport between the two islands but could affect plans to develop tourism.

“Therefore, you should decide what to do when that point comes. I will not dictate this from my desk,” Yameen said.

“The decision will be made by the people of Thinadhoo. If the citizens of Thinadhoo decide and a large majority tells me during my presidency that they want the bridge, God willing, I will build it for them.”

Yameen said Thinadhoo’s lagoon has enough space to develop three or four resorts, providing an opportunity to expand tourism beyond the guesthouse sector.

He said Kaadedhdhoo could also accommodate tourism facilities, including a resort or guesthouses, which could generate economic activity for Thinadhoo residents.

However, Yameen argued that connecting the two islands by bridge could affect the type of tourism development possible in the area.

He said resort guests often seek separation and privacy, while a road connection between the islands could make it more difficult to position Kaadedhdhoo or parts of Thinadhoo for resort development.

Yameen said the benefits of transport connectivity should therefore be weighed against the potential use of the islands for tourism.

He added that tourism development in the Thinadhoo area could provide more than 200 beds and generate employment opportunities, estimating that tourism expansion across the region could create more than 18,000 jobs.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu pledged during the 2023 presidential campaign to connect Thinadhoo and Kaadedhdhoo by bridge.

The government later sought a consultancy firm for the project in 2024.

During a visit to Thinadhoo in February 2024, Muizzu also announced plans for projects in Huvadhu Atoll, including an international airport and the development of 12 resorts.

The government said at the time that it intended to develop Huvadhu Atoll as a tourism zone.

An agreement was also signed with Thailand’s Pan Pacific Company for the proposed Thinadhoo International Airport project, which was estimated at about USD 600 million, or MVR 9.2 billion.

The government has since changed its position on the airport plans. Muizzu announced in May 2025 that the proposed Thinadhoo airport would be dropped in favour of developing Kaadedhdhoo Airport. However, this month, the President said the government would proceed with plans for an airport in Thinadhoo.