Minister of Finance Ibrahim Ameer has revealed the administration has not decided to lease the new seaplane terminal to a foreign party.
Answering questions after been summoned to the parliament, Finance Minister Ameer said although discussions were held with foreign parties regarding to lease the terminal, no decision has been made. While the minister said no decision has been made, Parliamentary Committee on Finance has also decided to carry a special audit of the new terminal following rumours the terminal was planned to be leased in a way it will attribute a loss to the state.
The new 4-storey seaplane terminal is developed in an area of 28,000 square metres. The services available at the new terminal include lobbies, lounges, an administrative department and a VVIP service centre. 85 seaplanes can operate in the new terminal as the dock capacity will increase by 50%, according to Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL).
Seaplane is heavily in demand amongst tourist visiting Maldives. Seaplane service providers are increasing the capacity to cater to the increase in demand with the increase of tourist arrivals in Maldives.
MACL expects to complete the new terminal building by the end of the year.