The newly developed airport in Maavarulu island in GDh. atoll has welcomed its first test flight on Wednesday.
The first test flight of Maldives' flag carrier Maldivian landed at the airport at 1100hrs. Maavarulu Airport is one of the five airports that were announced to be opened during the current year.
The development of Maavarulu Airport was first contracted to a company named Moovin International on July 10, 201 during the administration of former president Mohamed Nasheed. However, the government halted the project after a large percentage of the project was already completed, stating that the project was not moving forward. The agreement with Moovin International was terminated on February 16, 2016.
After that, during former president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom's administration, the airport project was handed over to Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) in 2018. However, the project suffered several setbacks once again.
Many residents of GDh. atoll have expressed concern on the delays. However, MTCC said the project had reached completion before the agreed date.
Maavarulu Airport becomes the third airport in Huvadu atoll along with Kaadedhdhoo Airport and Kooddoo airport.
