A major step in expanding regional connectivity and tourism infrastructure has been achieved with the inauguration of Muli Airport in Meemu Atoll. The airport was officially opened by President His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu during a special ceremony held on 20th May 2025, Tuesday morning, where he emphasized the critical role the new facility will play in driving economic growth, improving public services, and enhancing travel accessibility for both locals and international visitors.
The newly operational airport brings Meemu Atoll into closer reach for travelers, with the government’s vision of ensuring that every residential island in the Maldives is located within 30 minutes of an airport now realized in this atoll. This strategic development is expected to facilitate smoother travel experiences and open up new opportunities for community development, investment, and tourism-related ventures.
In his address at the inauguration, President Dr Muizzu described the airport as a gateway to development for the region. He stated that the opening marks the beginning of a broader transformation for Muli and the surrounding islands. The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritizing citizen-focused development, noting that the next two years would be dedicated to achieving tangible progress through people-centric initiatives.
Several complementary infrastructure and development projects were also announced during the ceremony. The President revealed that the Muli Road Development Project will begin in 2026, while the construction of a regional hospital is already underway. In addition, shore protection work is scheduled to commence next year to address climate resilience and safeguard island infrastructure.
Addressing housing needs in the region, President Muizzu announced a 300-unit social housing project designed to reduce overcrowding and encourage inward migration to Muli. The housing initiative is expected to support population consolidation, a key policy objective aimed at enabling sustainable development and better access to public services in regional hubs.
Another highlight of the President’s visit was the official launch of the project to connect the islands of Muli and Naalaafushi via a causeway. In support of this, the government will initiate land reclamation and port development works in Naalaafushi under the 2026 national budget. These enhancements are expected to boost maritime and logistical access within the atoll, further strengthening economic links and service delivery between islands.
The Muli Airport project itself has been a long-standing endeavor. The initial agreement was signed in 2014 when President Dr Muizzu served as the Minister of Housing. It was later renewed in 2024 under his administration to expedite the completion and operationalization of the airport. The project is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure and the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), with full financing from the national budget.
By improving domestic air connectivity and integrating island communities through new infrastructure, Muli Airport is set to enhance the appeal of Meemu Atoll for both domestic travelers and international tourists. With its pristine natural beauty, rich marine biodiversity, and now-improved accessibility, the atoll is well-positioned to become a new hotspot for tourism and local enterprise in the Maldives.
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