The new seaplane terminal being developed at Velana International Airport (VIA) will be completed and in operation by the end of the year, according to Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL).
The new seaplane terminal is being developed as part of the USD 1 billion mega infrastructure development project of VIA conducted by the government. MACL is also working to relocate the seaplane base in VIA to accommodate the airport runway development project conducted at the existing site of the seaplane base. The seaplane base in VIA is the world's largest such base which also boasts the biggest fleet of seaplanes.
MACL has reclaimed 1.83 hectors of land near the Air Traffic Control Tower to relocate the seaplane base as the existing base is situated in the path of the runway re-development project. Preparations are underway to relocate the seaplane base to the new location, with concept designs and technical surveys being conducted by MACL.
MACL said that they will be able to begin relocation of the seaplane base within two months, once the detail design of the project is complete. The company revealed that the aim is to complete the relocation and open the new seaplane base by the end of next year.
Furthermore, the new airline complex project is also a noteworthy venture conducted as part of the airport development project. The MVR 56 million project has been contracted to Amin Construction. The concrete works and main structure of the new airline complex has been completed. Currently interior works of the airline complex is underway, while it is expected to be completed and in use by August. The airline complex will office spaces for local and international airlines.
Meanwhile, 7.8 hectors of land has been reclaimed from the south west side of Hulhule’ Island to develop the new international passengers terminal building. Currently sheet piling work is ongoing at the new international terminal building site. The project is contracted to Saudi Binladen Group.