Yameen Alleges $300 Million Misuse Under Solih as Long Delayed Airport Terminal is Set to Finally Open Under President Dr. Muizzu

Former President Abdulla Yameen has publicly accused his successor, former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, of diverting over $300 million in taxpayer funds linked to the Velana International Airport Terminal Project.

Yameen claimed that the additional funds were added to the terminal budget under the pretext of design variations. Yet, according to Yameen, only $28 million of those costs were justified. He alleges the remaining sum was misused to finance MDP’s parliamentary election campaigns during Solih’s administration.

“This is not some technical misstep. This is calculated misuse of public funds. $300 million stolen from the Maldivian people.” (translated) Yameen said.

The terminal project itself has long been a subject of public debate. First launched during Yameen’s own presidency as part of an ambitious airport expansion plan, it remained incomplete by the end of his term. Solih too left the terminal unfinished, despite the staggering sums spent during his presidency.

Now, under President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s government, the long-delayed terminal is finally complete and ready to open. The inauguration date is scheduled for 26 July, Maldives’ Independence Day; a symbolic date for opening the country’s primary gateway and one of its most valuable national assets, especially vital for a tourism driven economy like the Maldives.

While Yameen now accuses Solih of corruption, the reality is that neither leader managed to complete the terminal. Yameen left it unfinished despite launching the project. Solih, even after spending vast public funds, also failed to deliver. Now, with Yameen’s allegations pointing to over $300 million in misused taxpayer money, the matter goes beyond political rivalry. It raises serious questions that many believe deserve a full investigation.

All this comes as Solih has signaled interest in contesting re-election; a prospect that for many, sits uncomfortably alongside such heavy accusations tied to one of the country’s most important national assets.

Now, under President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s leadership, the terminal is finally complete and set to open on July 26th. For President Muizzu, delivering this long delayed national gateway stands as a clear statement of focus and results, turning years of political back and forth into a tangible asset for the country’s future.

Former President Abdulla Yameen has publicly accused his successor, former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, of diverting over $300 million in taxpayer funds linked to the Velana International Airport Terminal Project.

Yameen claimed that the additional funds were added to the terminal budget under the pretext of design variations. Yet, according to Yameen, only $28 million of those costs were justified. He alleges the remaining sum was misused to finance MDP’s parliamentary election campaigns during Solih’s administration.

“This is not some technical misstep. This is calculated misuse of public funds. $300 million stolen from the Maldivian people.” (translated) Yameen said.

The terminal project itself has long been a subject of public debate. First launched during Yameen’s own presidency as part of an ambitious airport expansion plan, it remained incomplete by the end of his term. Solih too left the terminal unfinished, despite the staggering sums spent during his presidency.

Now, under President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s government, the long-delayed terminal is finally complete and ready to open. The inauguration date is scheduled for 26 July, Maldives’ Independence Day; a symbolic date for opening the country’s primary gateway and one of its most valuable national assets, especially vital for a tourism driven economy like the Maldives.

While Yameen now accuses Solih of corruption, the reality is that neither leader managed to complete the terminal. Yameen left it unfinished despite launching the project. Solih, even after spending vast public funds, also failed to deliver. Now, with Yameen’s allegations pointing to over $300 million in misused taxpayer money, the matter goes beyond political rivalry. It raises serious questions that many believe deserve a full investigation.

All this comes as Solih has signaled interest in contesting re-election; a prospect that for many, sits uncomfortably alongside such heavy accusations tied to one of the country’s most important national assets.

Now, under President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s leadership, the terminal is finally complete and set to open on July 26th. For President Muizzu, delivering this long delayed national gateway stands as a clear statement of focus and results, turning years of political back and forth into a tangible asset for the country’s future.