President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has said that the previous administration had agreed with developers to grant two islands in exchange for the construction of Noonu Maafaru Airport. He said that these islands had been leased by the government at that time of agreement.

The President said this while speaking at a Parliamentary campaign event at Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Noonu Manadhoo. He added that the terms of the agreement had still not been met when the project began as the transition of government took place.

He said that although specific islands had been chosen by the administration, the current government findings have concluded that both the uninhabited islands that were to be granted under this agreement had already been leased for other purposes. He noted that the current administration is working on seeking a solution to this issue at this time.

He said that although developers have completed majority of the construction at the Airport, there are several challenges. President Solih said that the government will not be able to fulfil the agreement as the previous administration had agreed. He said therefore that a conclusion can only be reached through discussing with the developers.

President Solih noted that while the airport was said to house a 2,200 meter long runway, the developers have urged an additional 1,000 meters be added. He said that this extension of the runway will allow some of the biggest aircrafts such as A380 of the world to land at Maafaru Airport.

He noted however that some housing near the airport runway location will need to be displaced to allow the extension. The President said that the displacement of homes to build the runway will be carried out through an exchange of appropriate compensation for the homes. He said that the cooperation of Maafaru citizens and the Local Council will go on to establish one of the biggest and most modern airports in Maldives.