Modernizing Male’ International, a priority - Jameel

Priority will be given to transform Male’ International Airport to a modern airport, the newly installed Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed’s Civil Aviation and Communication Minister Dr. Mohamed Jameel Ahmed has said.

Minister Jameel made the statement to Miadhu Daily after accepting the portfolio of Civil Aviation and Communication in the new government formed on 11 November 2008.

“Maldives is well known and a popular destination for the large number of tourists, including celebrities and the very rich; the international airport of such a country visited by the world’s richest people is in a deplorable condition, Male’ International Airport is the mirror of the Maldives through which the world sees us. So this government gives huge importance to transform the airport to a modern airport with all the modern conveniences” said Jameel who recently obtained a PHD and served as Justice Minister in the previous government and later resigned after disagreements with government policy.

He said the project to transform Male’ International Airport will be one of the most important projects to be undertaken by the ministry. He further expressed under the project, priority will be given to human resource development and that a special budget will be established to satisfy the requirement.

Jameel also said improving airport security and hospitality will be of prime concern. Celebrities and people of that rank should be given a warm welcome and that services and hospitality provided to such guests must be greatly improved, Jameel said.

Many people, especially airport staff and tour operators, have been criticizing the government for the deplorable condition of Male’ International Airport. They say the airport does not fit in to present day image of the country. Minister also expressed that every avenue will be explored to ease the financial burden on the government that would be caused by such a huge undertaking. President Mohamed Nasheed (Anni) in his manifesto has given great importance to develop the matters relating to transport.