Gov’t Plans for New Airport in Vaavu Atoll Stirring Controversy

The Maldivian government has revealed plans to construct an airport in the southeast region of Vaavu Atoll, this initiative, backed by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, aims to attract investors willing to contribute a minimum of $5 million (MVR 76 million) to fund the project, according to a presidential decree.

President Solih initially floated this proposition during a campaign visit to V. Atoll a month ago, outlining his plans for an ambitious tourism project in the Maldives.

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Despite the apparent benefits, the plans have not been met without resistance. The Atoll Council, a local governing body, has publicly objected to the project, launching a lawsuit against the government. 

They argue that the proposed development, which necessitates the reclamation of a substantial area from the Fohtheyo lagoon, is a pretext for constructing a resort in the region.

The Atoll Council’s legal challenge also targeted the government’s decision to lease the largest lagoon in the Maldives, asserting that such leases should be subject to the council’s approval. In their lawsuit, they sought to delay the lease until the council could evaluate the situation and take a decision. However, the civil court ruled against the council’s request, determining that no such order to postpone the lease could be issued.