Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has revealed the airport development project in Funadhoo in Shaviyani Atoll will be completed within two days.
Speaking at a press conference, Assistant General Manager, Construction Project Management Ahmed Latheef said the development of Funadhoo airport is progressing at a fast pace, adding it is expected the project will be concluded by the end of the week. He noted test flights will hopefully land on Funadhoo next week.
MTCC began laying asphalt on the runway in September last year. Asphalt laying commenced after MTCC reclaimed a total of 21 hectares of land from the northern side of the island. The runway stretches to 1,200 metres. The first airport in Shaviyani Atoll is developed at a cost of USD 5.742 million.
Moreover, MTCC revealed preparations are underway to commence tarring the runway of Maavaarulu Airport in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll. Ahmed Latheef expressed the project will be completed within about one and half months. The USD 3.677 million project includes a 1,220 metre runway, taxiway and apron.
Furthermore, during the press conference, CEO of MTCC Hassan Shah said the government has plans to develop an airport in the reclaimed land in Hoarafushi in Haa Alifu Atoll, rather than develop an airport in Maafinolhu in the same atoll. The CEO revealed although it was decided to develop an airport in Maafinolhu, the project has not yet begun. Speaking in this regard, Shah expressed the government is in discussions to develop the airport on reclaimed area in Hoarafushi rather than reclaiming Maafinolhu.
MTCC is currently in discussions with regional airports regarding the project. MTCC is optimistic, an agreement can be made within the upcoming week.