Kaadedhdhoo Airport International Upgrade Set for Mid-Year Start

The government is finalising plans to upgrade Kaadedhdhoo Airport to international standards, with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announcing that practical work will begin by the middle of this year. Addressing his weekly news conference, the President confirmed planning for the major infrastructure project is nearly complete. He acknowledged the work has not progressed at the initially intended pace. To ensure a feasible and financially prudent approach, the government will use an investor finance model to kickstart the project, rather than direct state budget expenditure. This development fulfills a key pledge made by President Muizzu last May. The strategy revises an earlier plan to build a new international airport on Thinadhoo island. The new focus is on significantly upgrading the existing Kaadedhdhoo Airport and connecting it to neighbouring Thinadhoo via a bridge, thereby serving the entire Huvadhoo Atoll region. "This is a promise I made to the people of Thinadhoo and Huvadhoo. Realistic targets are being set. Practical work will start in the middle of this year," the President said, reaffirming his administration's commitment. Opened in December 1993, Kaadedhdhoo Airport holds historical significance as the first domestic airport in Huvadhoo Atoll. Currently operated by Villa Air, the airport is located just 3.7 kilometers from Thinadhoo.