Transport Ministry calls for expression of interest for Kulhudhuffushi Airport project

Ministry of Transport in collaboration with Ministry of Tourism have called for expression of interest for the project to construct an airport in Haa Dhaalu Kulhudhuffushi.

Speaking at a press conference today, Minister of Transport Ameen Ibrahim said that this is part of the efforts to fulfil the pledges in the election manifesto of ruling party, Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM).

“Interested parties are welcome to submit expression of interest from today onwards,” he said.

Ameen said that the party chosen to carry out this project will also be given an island to be developed as a tourist resort.

“The model followed in the development of other airports will be applied this time as well. It has been decided to give an island for resort development, to cover the investment cost,” he said.

He said that the airport will be leased for 25 years, while the resort island will be leased for 50 years.

Ameen said that it might not be possible to make a profit from the airport alone, but the development of tourism an island in the region would in effect increase profit from the airport.

“It may not be possible to cover costs if airport services are aimed at transporting people from Kulhudhuffushi alone. This will be a profitable investment following the development of resorts,” he said.

Ameen further said that part of Kulhudhuffushi will need to be reclaimed for the construction of the airport.

The government’s plans to reclaim the mangrove area in Kulhudhuffushi for the airport project have been met with criticism from Ecocare Maldives.

Ameen assured that advice and assistance will be sought from environment experts in the reclamation of the mangrove area.

He said that the estimated time of completion of the Kulhudhuffushi Airport project is about two years.