Minister Zameer says more airports will be built

Minister of Tourism, Moosa Zameer has declared the government planned to build more airports than the 11 airports already operational and the five more which has been contracted to Malaysian company Gryphon Energy.

Minister Zameer made the comment during the press conference after the function held at Ministry of Tourism this Tuesday morning to sign the contract between Maldivian government and Gryphon Energy.

Gryphon Energy has been contracted to build five regional airports in H. Dh. Kulhudhuffushi, F. Nilandhoo, G. Dh. Maavarulu, G. Dh. Faresmaathoda and Sh. Funadhoo.

“Our target is airports being accessible every 30 or 40 minute distances (between islands) by speedboat,” said Zameer.

When asked by “Sun” how many airports the government planned to build, Zameer said plans were underway to build airports in Lh. Felivaru and M. Atoll, and that airports will be built based on analysis of the tourism industry in the country.

He did not give an exact number.

Zameer said that airports would bring prosperity to parts of Maldives that hadn’t seen much development in the past.

There are currently 11 airports operational in Maldives. An airport in Dh. Kudahuvadhoo will be opened this March, and the five airports contracted to Gryphon Energy will be up and operational by October, 2018.