Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen has said that discussions are ongoing with Villa Air to develop Kaadedhdhoo Airport to international standards, in line with the President's pledge.

The Minister said this in response to a question from MP Saudulla Hilmy of Thinadhoo North constituency, asking whether the work to develop an international airport in Kaadedhdhoo as decided by the President will be carried out by Villa Air, which is currently in charge of the airport, or by the government.

The Minister said what's important is not who operates the airport.

He said that work has begun according to the plan set out to develop Kaadedhdhoo Airport, in line with President Muizzu's decision.

The President has now decided to connect GDh. Thinadhoo and Kaadedhdhoo with a bridge, and develop a completely new international standard airport in Kaadedhdhoo.

Instead of developing an international airport in Thinadhoo, it has been decided to connect the two islands with a bridge and develop Kaadedhdhoo Airport to international standards. The government had initially decided to develop an international airport in Thinadhoo by contracting a Thai company.