President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has said airport development across the Maldives is being undertaken with the aim of benefiting residents and supporting regional development.

Speaking on The Pulse podcast, President Dr Muizzu said the Government’s policy is to establish an airport or air transport system within approximately 30 minutes of travel from every inhabited island.

He said air connectivity is essential for the Maldives given its geography, with 99 per cent of the country’s territory consisting of sea. Therefore, a ferry network alone cannot meet the country’s transportation needs.

President Dr Muizzu said improved air connectivity would support social and economic development by making travel easier, helping businesses grow and creating more employment opportunities.

He added that enabling residents to achieve development while remaining in their home regions is a key Government policy. Improved air connectivity would also contribute significantly to the growth of tourism and other economic activities across the country.