President Dr Mohamed Muizzu officially inaugurated Muli Airport on Tuesday, a landmark event that marks the arrival of air travel to Meemu Atoll for the first time in the region’s history. The new airport is expected to significantly transform connectivity, commerce, and daily life for residents who have long awaited this development.
The ceremony, held on the island of Muli, drew a large crowd of community members along with high-ranking government officials, ministers, state enterprise executives, and aviation leaders. President Muizzu was warmly welcomed by residents, whose enthusiastic reception underscored the deep significance of the airport’s opening for the people of Meemu Atoll.
For decades, Meemu Atoll — home to eight inhabited islands — remained disconnected from the national aviation network, with residents reliant on lengthy sea travel for access to the capital and other regions. The inauguration of Muli Airport finally closes that gap, offering faster, safer, and more efficient travel options.
“This is more than an airport — it’s a symbol of our commitment to equal development across all atolls,” President Muizzu remarked during the event, adding that improved access will open up new economic and social opportunities for the region.
The journey to establish the airport began gaining traction in 2021 when the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) was awarded the contract. Construction kicked off in August that year, following the signing of the agreement on 28 February. The project was completed at a cost of over USD 12.97 million.
Extensive land reclamation efforts were central to the development, with 40 hectares reclaimed from the southeastern part of Muli Island and an additional 14 hectares designated around the runway. The finished facility includes a 1,200-metre runway, taxiway, aircraft apron, a modern passenger terminal, air traffic control tower, and other supporting operational structures.
Operational preparations began earlier this year, with a successful test flight conducted on 25 April. The Regional Airports Company Ltd. (RACL), which operates the airport, confirmed the facility was ready for commercial use shortly thereafter.
National carrier Maldivian has since opened ticket sales for its inaugural flight to Muli, scheduled for 24 May. The airline will operate weekly Saturday flights with an estimated flight duration of just 35 minutes. Passengers will also have access to Maldivian’s Premium Economy class.
Government officials have positioned Muli Airport as a gateway not just for travel, but for economic expansion in Meemu Atoll. The airport is expected to boost tourism, stimulate local industries, and improve access to healthcare and education by reducing travel times significantly.
“This infrastructure will reshape economic prospects in the region,” noted a senior official from the Ministry of Transport, “and we are already seeing increased interest from investors and tour operators.”
The inauguration concluded with the presentation of a commemorative plaque to President Muizzu by MTCC representatives and Muli residents, recognising the realisation of a decades-long aspiration. The event, rich with community spirit, drew a large number of attendees, reflecting the deep emotional and practical significance of the project.
As the runway opens and aircraft begin to land, Muli Airport stands as a testament to the government’s infrastructure agenda — and to the perseverance of a community that never gave up on its vision for connection.
