Spent MVR 540 million on Muli Airport, roughly MVR 100,000 per person in atoll: Minister

By the time M. Muli Airport was completed, a total of MVR 540 million was spent on the project, which is roughly MVR 100,000 per person based on the atoll's population, said Construction Minister, Dr. Abdulla Muthhalib.

According to the 2022 census, the atoll has only 5,490 people.

Speaking at the airport's inaugural ceremony held on the island yesterday morning, Muthhalib said the completion of the project, which got extended for 11 years due to various reasons, realized the long standing hopes of Meemu atoll's people.

Land reclamation for the Muli Airport started in 2014. However, the airport construction project started in 2021, which was contracted to MTCC. Minister Muthhalib said the land reclamation component of the project started when President Dr Mohamed Muizzu served as the housing minister and that the project was one of the most prioritized projects when he assumed office as President.

"This airport is being opened because of the hard work of a president who has been eager to bring development for the people," he said.

"It is especially noteworthy that the airport was completed and opened in about 18 months due to the hard work of MTCC."

Muthhalib said although many components of the project were planned by the time the current administration took over, many of those works were not approved. By the time the project went from restart to finish, about MVR 540 million was spent, he said.

Many works of the airport were planned when the government came to power but the works were not allowed to continue. The project was resumed at a cost of MVR 540 million, he said.

“This is a figure of MVR 100,000 per capita, given the population in this atoll,” he said.

"With this airport, tourism in the atoll is expected to grow. It has opened the door for many tourism investments," Minister Muthhalib said in his speech.

The Muli Airport was inaugurated by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

A total of 14 hectares of land was reclaimed and 1,812 metres of beach was protected as part of the project. It also included a passenger terminal, a 1,200 metre long and 30 metre wide runway.