Pres pledges to link Maavaarulu airport with Gadhdhoo by road

President Mohammed Muizzu has said that the Maavarulu Airport near Gaddhoo in Gaafu Dhaalu atoll will be developed and the two islands will be connected by road.

The President, who is currently on a visit to the southern atolls, said there are things that still need to be done for the development of Maavaarulu airport.

During his presidential campaign visit to Gadhdhoo, the President also noted that the necessary services should be established at the airport.

The President said the development works required for the airport are important for the development of Gaddhoo and the surrounding area.

"I promised during the campaign. I will do all the necessary work to further develop the airport. I will connect the airport to this island by road," he said.

The President assured the people of Gadhdhoo that he would end their wait for the island to be connected to the airport, although there are budgetary constraints.

"Increase flight frequency. It is linked with tourism. We cannot increase flights unless through tourism. Therefore, the development of the entire atoll is linked to making airports functional or feasible." He said efforts would be made to expand tourism and bring development to Gaafu Dhaalu atoll.

The government has signed an agreement with a Thai company on Tuesday evening to expand tourism in Thinadhoo, where an international airport will be built, and this highlights his pledges.

Interestingly, Addu Channel, between this atoll and Addu, is a rare point on the globe itself as it marks the equatorial crossing. While Maldives is one of the few countries that span across the Equator, Gaafu Dhaalu atoll, or Huvadhoo atoll, just 50 kms away from the Equator, has several chains of uninhabited islands that is unique to the country’s geography.