News Desk
RAA ATOLL, Maldives — In a bold move to bolster regional connectivity and stimulate economic growth, President Dr. Mohammed Muizzu announced plans to develop an airport on Fainu Island, a small community of just 386 residents, according to the 2022 census. The project, he said during his tour of Raa Atoll, is expected to inject new energy into the local economy and drive tourism expansion in the northern Maldives.
Slated for development under the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), the project marks a significant step in the government’s broader strategy to enhance infrastructure in underserved regions. The contract for the airport will be awarded in February 2025, following consultations with local leaders, including the island council and the women’s development committee, President Muizzu revealed.
“This airport is a critical investment in bridging the transportation gaps that have long hampered economic progress in Raa Atoll,” the President said. He assured residents that the project will seamlessly integrate with existing infrastructure, citing the recently inaugurated water and sewerage systems as an example of the government’s commitment to delivering practical solutions.
Despite its proximity to the existing Ifuru Airport, situated just 27 kilometers away, the Fainu airport is expected to create new economic opportunities by attracting tourists to the atoll’s largely untapped potential. The government has promised to address logistical challenges, including land reclamation, to ensure the project’s feasibility.
In a concurrent development, the Bank of Maldives has signed an agreement with the Fainu Island Council to install an ATM, marking a significant step in improving banking services for residents. Together, these initiatives signal a concerted effort to improve living standards and foster economic activity on the island.
While supporters of the project view it as a much-needed boost for the region’s tourism industry, critics question the economic viability of building another airport in such close proximity to an existing one. They argue that focusing on enhancing ferry services or other forms of connectivity might offer more cost-effective solutions for residents and visitors alike.
The Fainu airport initiative underscores the Maldives’ strategic focus on leveraging tourism infrastructure to fuel economic growth. Whether this gamble will pay off remains to be seen, but for now, it offers a glimmer of hope to a remote island eager for change.
