Planning Minister Mohamed Aslam has said that the six airports to be built in six regions of the Maldives will not be completed during the current presidential term.

Minister Aslam made the statement at the Parliament on Wednesday in response to a question asked by Kanditheemu MP Abdulla Shaheem regarding the commencement of the airport project in Sh. Bilehfahi.

The government has decided to build domestic airports in HDh. Makunudhoo, Sh. Bilehfahi, B. Thulhaadhoo, Th. Vilifushi, F. Magoodoo, and an island on the southern side of Raa atoll. The government sought contractors for the projects on a cross-subsidy model in December last year.

Speaking at the Parliament on Wednesday, Minister Aslam said an airport with a 1,200-metre runway had been designed for Bilehfahi. He said the land required for the airport project would be dredged and protected, adding that the Bilehfahi Airport project would cost USD 23 million.

Aslam said 12 proposals had been received for the construction of the airports. However, he did not disclose the countries in which the companies were registered.

The minister further said efforts are underway to sign MOUs with companies that can prove the availability of funds to implement the project. He said a draft agreement has been prepared and submitted to the Attorney General for advice. If the companies fail to ensure funds' availability, negotiations will continue with other companies, he said.

"I'm sure [the six airports] cannot be completed in the remaining time [of the current presidential term]. However, if work starts, it will move forward," Aslam said.

The government has reduced the acquisition cost of the islands allocated for the resort development under the cross-subsidy model. The amount has been reduced to USD 3 million from USD 5 million.