The President’s Office has clarified that the Government has not made any decision to stop the construction of the airport in Faafu Magoodhoo.

The clarification was issued in response to a public inquiry filed under the Right to Information Act. The enquiry followed concerns circulating among the public that the airport project had been suspended. In its written response, the President’s Office confirmed that no such decision had been made by the Cabinet.

The airport project was originally planned for Faafu Nilandhoo but was shifted to Magoodhoo by the previous administration. The Minister of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure, Abdulla Muththalib, had previously noted that the relocation decision was not ideal but affirmed that the Magoodhoo project would continue as planned.

According to the Minister, preliminary works such as shore protection are currently underway, and the Government is working to begin the airport's construction soon. The Minister also stated that the Government remains committed to completing the project within a reasonable timeframe.

There has also been growing competition among the residents of Nilandhoo, which is located near Magoodhoo, where an airport is under development. The Minister has stated that the close proximity of the two islands would not pose a problem and noted investor interest in establishing an airport in Nilandhoo as well.

The Government is investing MVR 231 million in the Magoodhoo project, which includes the reclamation of 30 hectares from the island’s lagoon and the construction of an 1,800-metre runway.