Makunudhoo airport project awarded to MTCC

The government has awarded Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) the contract to build an airport and carry out land reclamation in Makunudhoo, the northernmost island of Maldives.

The agreement was signed today in Makunudhoo by state minister of construction Hassan Rasheed and MTCC managing director Ahmed Saudhee.

Speaking at the ceremony, President Mohamed Muizzu said the project was vital for the island’s economic growth.

“The airport will be a very important gateway for the people to take the economic development of the island to another level,” he said

He added that the project would also address housing needs through new land reclamation.

Under the agreement, 22 hectares will be reclaimed for social use alongside the development of an 1,800 metre runway. Once completed, the airport will be operated by Maldives Airports Company Ltd (MACL).

Makunudhoo MP Adam Shafeeq said isolation and poor transport links were the biggest challenges facing the island, describing the airport project as the fulfilment of a “long-standing dream” for residents.

A previous attempt to develop the airport began under the former government, with reclamation work awarded to fish export company Big Fish on a cross-subsidy basis.

Some land was reclaimed at the southern tip of the island, although details on progress had not been shared.

Makunudhoo is home to one of the largest lagoons in the Maldives.