Land reclamation begins for airport project in Noonu Vihafaru

Land reclamation work for the construction of an airport in Noonu atoll’s Vihafaru lagoon has begun today.

The reclamation of 42 hectares of land was inaugurated at a ceremony held at the project site, attended by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.

Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed and Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) Managing Director Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed officially launched the work.

According to the Ministry of Economic Development, the land near Velidhoo will be reclaimed to a height of 1.6 metres.

Noonu atoll, with a population of 12,503, is already home to Maafaru International Airport, which currently handles the highest number of jet landings in the atoll.

The Vihafaru Airport is being developed primarily to serve residents living in the western part of Noonu atoll. In addition, national airline Maldivian has recently introduced seaplane services to Velidhoo.

During a visit to the northern atolls in July last year, President Muizzu said construction of the Vihafaru Airport would be carried out at an accelerated pace. He also announced that seaplane services would be introduced to Velidhoo.

The President said the new airport would benefit both the atoll’s residents and investors involved in tourism development.