A major challenge to the reopening of the upgraded Hanimaadhoo International Airport later this year is the limited number of tourist beds available in the northern atolls, Minister of Tourism and Environment Thoriq Ibrahim has stated.

Speaking at a press conference at the President’s Office, Minister Thoriq pointed out that the Haa Alifu, Haa Dhaalu, and Shaviyani atolls have the fewest resorts in the country, with only two resorts and one tourist hotel currently operating in the region.

He noted that while the airport is expected to boost accessibility, the lack of sufficient resort developments and flight operations could hinder the tourism potential of the area. Most travellers to these atolls rely on domestic flights rather than seaplanes.

Minister Thoriq said that President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s Government is actively working to address the issue by opening up more islands for resort development and offering incentives to attract investors. He also revealed that the Maldives Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) has been re-engaged to develop Naagoshi Island, a project that has remained idle for over a decade.

The USD 136.6 million Hanimaadhoo International Airport project, which began in January 2023, is designed to handle 1.3 million passengers annually and is expected to be completed within two years.