Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has begun the construction of the terminal of Faresmaathoda Airport. Dubai-based Gulf Cobla reclaimed around 20 hectares of land in Faresmaathoda, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, in 2019 to construct the airport.
Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure contracted MTCC to design and build Faresmaathodaa Airport in November 2020 at a cost of USD9.3 million.
The scope of the project includes the construction of a 1,200m runway, taxiway, apron with shoulder, and service roads with all operational facilities. The development of Faresmaathoda Airport commenced in January last year and MTCC has since begun the construction of the runway and fire building.
Faresmaathoda Airport is being developed to cater to domestic flights. Local residents are greatly expecting the completion of the airport, as it would ease travel and pave the way for further development of the local tourism sector and provide better socio-economic opportunities in the southern atolls.
MTCC stated the construction of the runway will be completed in May and the construction of the causeway to connect the airport to Faresmaathoda will be completed in June. The government has pledged to establish airports within a 30-minute speedboat ride from all inhabited islands.