Development of Kadhdhoo Airport as an international airport commences

Physical works have commenced on the development of L. Kadhdhoo Airport as an international airport.

The project is to be completed within three years.

Several key agreements were signed during a meeting held with L. Fonadhoo residents as part of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu ongoing tour of Laamu Atoll on Monday evening, including contracts for a land reclamation and coastal protection project, as well as the formal handover of Kadhdhoo Airport’s development and operations to Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL).

While speaking during the meeting, President Muizzu outlines the scope of the airport which includes the reclamation of 114 hectares of land to accommodate a 2,800-metre runway. An additional 30 hectares will be reclaimed to expand Fonadhoo bringing the total reclaimed area to 144 hectares. As per the President, the land reclamation is expected to be completed within a year, with the full project, including airport development, scheduled for completion within 36 months, which is three years.

President Dr @MMuizzu attends the launching ceremony of the L. Fonadhoo land reclamation and shore protection projects, alongside the Kadhdhoo Airport development. These initiatives aim to boost infrastructure and improve connectivity across Laamu Atoll.#RayyithunGaathah… pic.twitter.com/XCeI05BbMp

— The President's Office (@presidencymv) October 21, 2025

He described the development of Kadhdhoo Airport as an international airport as a vital move toward transforming Fonadhoo into a regional hub for tourism, education, and broader economic development.

Physical works on the project commenced on Tuesday morning.

Kadhdhoo airport is one of Maldives’ oldest domestic airports.

The last MDP administration had contracted Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) to develop Kadhdhoo airport as an international airport. The current administration had initially awarded the project to China’s CAMC Engineering.