Kooddoo rates climb as flight halt on runway disrupts travel
Kooddoo airport runway had not received any repairs or maintenance for about seven years, despite being severely damaged.
The suspension of flights by Maldivian airline due to runway problems at GA. Kooddoo airport has caused significant inconvenience for residents of the area, leading to increased travel costs.
The runway at Kooddoo Airport was found to be damaged, making it unsafe for flight operations. Transport minister Mohamed Ameen told Atoll Times that temporary repairs to the runway are underway, and Maldivian Airlines is expected to resume flights within 2-3 days.
The minister noted that a civil aviation audit revealed the runway had not been properly maintained.
“But action has been delayed due to challenges faced by tourism and the public,” Ameen stated.
With the suspension of flights, residents of Kooddoo and nearby areas are forced to rely on alternative routes, including travel via GDh. Kaadeddhoo or Maavarulu. The RTL ferry service operates between these areas, but it only meets one daytime flight, leaving limited travel options.
For those needing to travel at other times, renting a private speedboat is the only option, but it comes at a higher cost. According to residents:
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Renting a speedboat costs between MVR 5,000 and MVR 7,500.
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Tickets for flights from Kaadedhdhoo to Male are priced at MVR 1,693, and from Maavarulu to Male at MVR 1,574.
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The private speedboat journey between Maavarulu and GA. Villingili takes 45 minutes to 1 hour, while the RTL ferry takes about an hour.
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This situation poses challenges for residents of GA. Maamendhoo, Kolamaafushi, and Dhaandhoo as well.
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Resorts in the region, which transport tourists via Kooddoo Airport, are also impacted by the suspension of flights.
The journey between Villingili and Kooddoo takes about 10 minutes, with a ferry service available for MVR 100-200. A one-way ticket from Kooddoo to Male costs around MVR 1,500, making the total journey cost around MVR 1,700 when combined with the ferry fare.
The company responsible for operating the airport is working to permanently address the runway issues and bring in necessary equipment for repairs, according to the transport minister. He added that a timeline for the completion of the work has been proposed, and the government is in discussions with the company.
Some airport employees told Atoll Times that the runway had not received any repairs or maintenance for about seven years, despite being severely damaged. They noted that repeated requests to the airport's operating company for repairs have gone unaddressed.
