Extra 14 airports, 80% runways to be expanded

Regional Airports Company Limited (RACL) on Tuesday has said that with a slew of new domestic airports either planned or in development, 80% of the runways in these ports will be expanded between 1,500 and 1,800 meters.

This was confirmed by RACL's Chairman Ahmed Nasif while speaking on a SanguTV program.

While speaking on the program, Nasif highlighted majority of these airports were developed utilizing the minimum requirements for such an establishment.

The RACL Chairman said that the runways in some of these airports measured only between 800 to 900 meters, and would be economically detrimental if the runways and subsequently the airport cannot be expanded in 20 to 30 years time.

He noted the current government's aviation policy includes stretching the airports to accommodate Dash-8 class carriers as a minimum requirement.

Nasif further stressed that the development of an airport alone is not beneficial unless the area consists of economically profitable businesses and ventures.

While pointing out to domestic airports with seldom flights, the RACL Chairman stressed on the importance of government policies on developing these areas to ensure economic viability.

"We need to think into the broader future, since this is an investment for the public. If we consider investing, then there should be commercial viability in it," Nasif added.

He highlighted the need to develop tourist properties nearby the airports with seldom flights, adding if the tourism development is expanded as such, these areas will become economically beneficial in two years time.

Nasif also pointed out to the consequences of developing the airports, if the affiliated policies are not implemented thoroughly. He however, expressed faith the government was utilizing state funds responsibly.

The current administration's decision on developing more domestic airports has since drawn criticism.

However, Nasif opined that an airport should exist allowing for transportation between the atolls under 20 to 30 minutes. He also stressed the creation of job opportunities and the development of tourism activities due to the airports.

President Dr. Muizzu had earlier announced the decision to establish airports in Sh. Dhiguveli, Sh. Milandhoo, and HA. Dhidhdhdhoo.

Besides this, an international airport in GA. Vilingili is in the pipeline, for which the state has already signed the MoU with the contractor.