The Government of Maldives has selected Isdhoo-Kalaidhoo as the site for the second airport in Laamu Atoll, confirming an important infrastructure decision that is expected to strengthen regional connectivity, support economic expansion, and open further opportunities for tourism development in the atoll. The project forms part of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s presidential pledges and follows earlier announcements on the plan to establish a second airport in Laamu, while the exact location had remained under consideration until now.
The decision comes after interest from several islands in the atoll to host the project. Proposals had previously been presented for locations near Maavah and Mendhoo, with the government indicating that the final site would be chosen based on long-term economic priorities and the broader development potential of the atoll. The selection of Isdhoo-Kalaidhoo now provides clarity on the direction of the project and reflects a planning approach focused on future growth, accessibility, and strategic value for Laamu Atoll as a whole.
The Ministry of Housing, Land and Urban Development confirmed the selection of Isdhoo-Kalaidhoo in a video released on Thursday. Located in the northern part of Laamu Atoll, Isdhoo-Kalaidhoo is among the larger islands in the Maldives by land area, offering the physical capacity required to accommodate major infrastructure and support wider development planning. According to the ministry, the island’s land availability makes it suitable not only for the airport itself, but also for associated population and development planning that could contribute to long-term social and economic progress in the region.
The proposed airport is also expected to create new possibilities for tourism expansion in nearby islands. Improved air access can enhance the attractiveness of Laamu Atoll for investors and visitors, particularly as global travellers increasingly seek destinations that combine natural beauty, convenience, and emerging hospitality offerings. Better accessibility can support the development of resorts, guesthouses, excursion services, transport businesses, and other tourism-related enterprises, helping diversify local economic activity while increasing the visibility of the atoll within the wider Maldivian tourism sector.
At present, Kadhdhoo Airport is the only airport serving Laamu Atoll. For residents of Isdhoo-Kalaidhoo, travel to Kadhdhoo currently takes around 40 minutes. The ministry has stated that the new airport would also improve access for the communities of Dhanbidhoo and Maabaidhoo, making travel more efficient for residents and easing transportation challenges within the atoll. This enhanced connectivity is expected to benefit not only passenger movement, but also public services, business activity, and inter-island mobility.
Although details regarding the project timeline, cost, and implementation model have not yet been announced, the confirmation of Isdhoo-Kalaidhoo as the chosen site marks a significant step forward in the government’s infrastructure agenda for Laamu Atoll. The development is widely expected to support stronger regional integration, stimulate investment interest, and contribute to the atoll’s long-term economic potential. For global observers, the project highlights the Maldives’ continued focus on expanding infrastructure in ways that support communities, improve accessibility, and create new pathways for tourism and sustainable regional development.
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