Resort operator Kuredu Holdings has been awarded a contract to develop a domestic airport on the island of Madivaru, previously used for military training. Kuredu Holdings will invest USD 13 million in the project, which involves reclaiming some three hectares of land from the lagoon of Madivaru, building a 1.2-kilometre runway, and setting up a training academy for aviation officials from flagship carrier Maldivian and seaplane operator Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA).

Lhaviyani Atoll has one of the highest concentrations of tourism activity in the Maldives, and the new airport project is expected to bring much desired new employment opportunities.