Honorable Qasim Ibrahim, Chairman of Villa Company has stated that Kaadedhdhoo Airport was relinquished to the government because the government wanted to develop it.

Qasim said this in a statement released on X in response to the Economic Council's decision to give USD 18 million or tax relief to Villa Company as compensation for relinquishing GDh. Kaadedhdhoo Airport to the government.

Qasim said that while Villa Group was in the final stages of securing finance to internationalize Kaadedhdhoo Airport, the government inquired about how the airport could be relinquished to the government. He said that after explaining the terms to the government and both parties agreeing, the airport was relinquished to the government as it was the most beneficial option and because the government wanted to develop the airport quickly, which was also a pledge of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

Qasim has denied allegations made by former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom that an unjust compensation was being given for relinquishing the airport. Gasim described Yameen as someone who always harbors "hostility" towards Villa Group.

He noted that during President Yameen's administration, the Kaadedhdhoo agreement was terminated and Villa's accounts were frozen.

Kaadedhdhoo Airport was first handed over to Villa Air in 2013 for a period of 50 years. However, in January 2017, during President Abdulla Yameen's administration, the agreement was terminated and the airport was seized. But the Civil Court ruled in 2018 to return the airport to Villa. After this ruling was upheld by both the High Court and Supreme Court, the airport was handed back to Villa Air in March 2022.

Qasim shared on X the letter sent by the Economic Council to Villa Company, which states that the government has decided to give USD 18 million or tax relief spread over 18 months to Villa Company as compensation for taking back the airport.