The Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), the contractor for Muli Airport, has announced efforts to expedite construction and begin services promptly. The project has faced delays primarily due to pending dredging work necessary for the airport's completion.
The Meemu Atoll airport development project began in August 2021, with an initial completion target set for mid-2023. However, delays have pushed the expected completion to mid-2024.
MTCC said that the runway, taxiway, and terminal work are finished, with 90% of the overall construction completed. The remaining delay is attributed to the incomplete dredging of the area surrounding the runway, requiring an additional 14 hectares of land to be dredged. The company is prioritizing the start of the remaining dredging operations, which had been temporarily halted due to changes in the project's scope. With re-authorization now in place, MTCC is accelerating these efforts and is in discussions with the Ministry of Construction and Infrastructure regarding timeline adjustments to ensure prompt project completion.
Regarding the project, Managing Director of the Regional Airports Company Limited Ahmed Mubeen said that recruitment for airport staff is underway in preparation for the airport's opening. He said that the hiring process will commence soon, with new employees receiving three months of training.
Additionally, Mubeen emphasised the need for specialised training for airport staff, noting that preparations for recruitment announcements are in progress. He also said that training should begin 3-4 months before the airport's opening to avoid the necessity of transferring employees from other airports.
Muli Airport is being developed on 40 hectares of reclaimed land from 2018. The project, valued at over USD14 million, includes the construction of a 1200-meter long, 30-meter wide runway, along with a taxiway and an apron.