President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has stated that efforts are underway to complete the construction of the airport in Makunudhoo and make it operational within this year.

During the government's "Raees ge Javaabu" program, a man from Makunudhoo asked the President when the airport would be made operational.

Replying to the question, President Dr. Muizzu said that the government has given utmost priority to the construction of the airport in Makunudhoo and that the airport will be developed according to the needs of the people.

"The project is ongoing at a fast pace. I am looking forward to opening the airport by the end of the year and I believe things would be easier then on," he said.

The President said that the runway of Makunudhoo Airport was earlier planned to be built to 1,500 meters, but the government would increase the length of the runway to 1,800 meters.

The President noted that Makunudhoo, unlike other islands, is very isolated and has difficulty in commuting.

On June 22 last year, the previous government had entrusted Bigfish Maldives Private Limited with the task of land reclamation and beach protection at Makunudhoo Airport.

The company was awarded the project for a total of USD 16 million (MVR 245 million) to complete the work within 366 days.

At a ceremony held on January 19, 2018, the then President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih had said that funds have been allocated for the airport planned to be built in Makunudhoo.