News

Construction of Maldives airport's new runway to begin next week

Construction will commence on the new runway of Velana International Airport next Monday, according to the Maldives Airports Company (MACL) Managing Director, Adil Moosa.

Construction will be carried out under contract by the Beijing Urban Construction Group, with a project cost of USD400 million. Out of the total, USD373 million is funded by a loan aid from China.

A special event will be held to celebrate the commencing of the construction on the new runway.

Speaking on a local television show, Adil declared that there will be delays once the construction begins. The project is scheduled to be completed by next year.

The new runway

  • 3400 meters long
  • 65 meters wide
  • USD400 mln project

A new passenger terminal is also under development at the airport, contracted to the Bin Laden Group for USD300 million. The total project cost for the new terminal rises to USD800 million with added costs.

MACL is currently making the final preparations to begin construction of the new terminal.

Work is currently being done to shift the MACL offices and machinery in the area where construction of the terminal is set to take place.

A new water supply building is also being constructed on the island, as the old building will have to be torn down to make room for the new terminal. The new water supply building will be ready this March, according to MACL.

The 80,000 square feet new passenger terminal can accommodate five million passengers.