Velana International Airport (VIA) operator Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has prepared for a planned project to increase the south-east end aircraft apron at Hulhule'.
An official from MACL who spoke with media had confirmed that the airport operator corporation is set to commence renovating and increasing the apron space at the south-east tarmac area, giving space for comfortable parking of at least seven wide-body aircraft.
However MACL's official had not disclosed any further details about the project.
Back in 2015, MACL had successfully carried out a similar project to increase the apron space of VIA which had resulted in a parking space for 20 jets, 4 wide-bodies and 7 A320s. The project was financed by the operator company.
State government has commenced a billion dollar project to renovate and develop the Velana International Airport. Under the project a new passenger terminal with an additional runway along with a cargo terminal and oil storage bunkers will be constructed.
The new passenger terminal's work is financially backed by Saudi Arabia's Bin Laden Group for a cost of USD 300 million. The constructed terminal will boast an area of 80,000 square meters accommodating a well over 7 million passengers.
VIA's new runway will be constructed by Beijing Urban Construction Group (BUCG) for an estimated project cost of USD 400 million. Chinese government had already granted a loan of USD 373 million for the project.
