Nilandhoo Airport project handed to MACL, 2.5 year deadline

Last night, the government handed over the F. Nilandhoo Airport project to Maldives Airports Company Ltd (MACL) . It has a deadline of 2 and a half years from the date of handover.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu is currently conducting a visit to Faafu Atoll. A meeting was held at Nilandhoo last night upon his arrival, where the signing of the airport took place. It was signed by Finance Minister Moosa Zameer from the government's side and by Managing Director Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed on the MACL side.

President Muizzu addressed Nilandhoo residents during his speech last night, stating that MTCC is reclaiming land in order to accommodate a 1,500 meter runway for the airport. He also stated that MTCC has been handed the project of reclaiming an additional 300 meter area.

"By the time it's done, there will be enough reclaimed land to accommodate a 1,800 meter runway," said the President.

As per President Muizzu, last night's agreement signing covered all civil and operational work regarding the airport. The President also stated that a complete and modern airport will be built at Nilandhoo by MACL.

"The airport will be finished within 30 months, or 2 and a half years. That guarantee is being given. So you can fairly assume that it might be done even sooner than that," said President Muizzu.

He went on to say that the Nilandhoo Airport is essential not only for the island, but for the development of the atoll as well.

The President stated that Nilandhoo is one of the islands in the government's plans to be developed as an urban center. He envisioned this to the residents and endeavors to make it a reality.

"We will first announce a target. In order to adhere to that target, we will begin and conduct the necessary work. The completion of the Nilandhoo Airport is the most important of these projects. It is the most vital step in turning this island into an urban center. So we decided to proceed as such," said the President.

The land reclamation for the airport began last year. The purpose of this airport is to build a domestic transportation option for people from islands, resorts and industrial areas within 30 minutes of each of them and the airport. It is also being built under the policy of expanding on domestic airport options.

Under that project, 42.6 hectares of land have been reclaimed and 2,098 meters of boulder revetments have been put together along with a 1,400 meter geo-bag revetment as well.

When former President Abdulla Yameen's administration came to an end, a budget and plans to build an airport at Nilandhoo had already been put into place. The project to change the palm trees was also put into place after the EIA report had been done.

A budget for the Nilandhoo Airport was put aside by the MDP administration as well. The Planning Ministry had even signed with MTCC in 2022 regarding the practical work and land reclamation work for the airport. Around MVR 450 million was allocated for both projects.

However, the MDP's administration changed its mind, changing the project to Magoodhoo located 15 minutes away by ferry. With the Nilandhoo Airport project having been handed over, construction of Magoodhoo Airport had almost finished.

The President had stated that work pertaining to Magoodhoo Airport will be done as well.