With an estimated investment of approximately USD 600 million facilitated by the private Thai company, this venture promises to unlock a multitude of benefits, both socio-economic and infrastructural.
Edition mv
In a significant stride towards enhancing connectivity and fostering economic growth, the Maldivian Government has entered into a strategic partnership with a private Thai company, Thailand’s Pan Pacific Company Limited, to embark on a transformative airport development project in G.Dh Thinadhoo. This landmark agreement, marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), heralds a new era of progress for the picturesque atoll.
The envisioned airport development project, slated for completion within a span of two years, holds immense promise for the entire G.Dh Atoll and beyond. With an estimated investment of approximately USD 600 million facilitated by the private Thai company, this venture promises to unlock a multitude of benefits, both socio-economic and infrastructural.
Foremost among these advantages is the significantly improved accessibility that an international airport in G.Dh Thinadhoo will afford to locals and tourists alike. By establishing a vital air gateway, residents of the atoll will enjoy enhanced connectivity to major regional and international destinations, facilitating smoother travel experiences and bolstering inter-island commerce. With this development, there is no doubt that tourism will bolster in the Atoll. To further facilitate the development, the Government also revealed that the Thai contractor has proposed to develop 12 resorts in the Atoll.
‘As the Minister (Muththalib) highlighted just now, there is a seaplane terminal linked with this. In addition to building a flying school on this island, alongside the establishment of facilities required for air ambulance services, my pledges during my campaign included the introduction of decompression chamber facilities and the development of 12 tourist resorts in the islands of this atoll under this project’
This will be a major step up from the three resorts that currently operate in the Atoll. In addition to increased tourism in the Atoll, this will also create more job opportunities, especially as the Airport is set to be developed into an eco-friendly airport with a floating terminal. This is going to be the first of its kind in the Maldives, marking a groundbreaking moment for the country, up on its development.
This development will not only be a great improvement for the Atoll, but it will also see major developments for the Maldivian economy in general. As improvised access to the unique attractions of G.Dh Atoll will open up the islands to global travellers, bringing an influx of dollars - which will help ease the dollar issue in the country in the future as well.
Moreover, beyond its immediate economic impact, the airport development project holds the potential to spur broader socio-economic development in G.Dh Atoll. The infusion of foreign investment, coupled with the creation of employment opportunities during construction and operational phases, will serve to uplift local communities and improve standards of living.
