Former President and Chairperson of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Mohamed Nasheed has stated that constructing an airport in Thinadhoo City would act as an obstacle to the city's development.

Speaking at the "Aabaadhee 60" rally held in Thinadhoo tonight, Nasheed said that building an airport in Thinadhoo is not acceptable to him, asserting that it poses a major setback to the island's progress.

"Constructing an airport here presents a major hurdle to this place's development. There is already an airport just six or seven minutes away from here. Develop that airport quickly and finish it promptly," Nasheed said, referring to Kaadedhdhoo Airport.

Nasheed expressed confidence that the residents of Thinadhoo would reflect carefully on the issue, noting that he is well aware of their insight. He added that the island's community will always choose what is best for the people.

"However, it has been ingrained in our minds that development means turning everywhere into Malé. Please, under no circumstances attempt to turn this island into another Malé. If you turn this place into Malé, it will be difficult for us to save the Maldives. Preserve the trees, protect the shorelines, and do not destroy the coral reefs. Development can be achieved in harmony with this natural design. That is the development path we should pursue," Nasheed said.

While Nasheed urged the development of Kaadedhdhoo Airport rather than building a new one in Thinadhoo, GDh. Kaadedhdhoo Airport—which had been leased to Villa Company—has now been relinquished back to the government. The Economic Council has decided to provide either USD 18 million in compensation or equivalent tax relief to the company.

Kaadedhdhoo Airport was originally leased to Villa Air in 2013 for a 50-year period. However, in January 2017 during former President Abdulla Yameen's administration, the agreement was terminated and the airport seized. The Civil Court ruled in 2018 that the airport should be returned to Villa. Following the High Court and Supreme Court upholding the verdict, the airport was officially handed back to Villa Air in March 2022.

The Maldivian government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a Thai firm to develop an international airport in Thinadhoo. The government stated that the USD 600 million project will be financed by Thailand-based Pan Pacific Company, the contractor selected for the project.

According to the Ministry of Housing, Pan Pacific submitted a proposal to build a four-kilometer runway, international and domestic passenger terminals, a seaplane terminal, and complete international airport facilities. The ministry noted that the proposal also encompasses the development of a luxury resort, a yacht marina, and a flying school.

Thinadhoo International Airport is designed to accommodate the largest commercial aircraft, and the project will feature an on-site fuel farm and dedicated seaplane terminal.