Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen has dismissed rumors that land will be reclaimed to expand the runway at Baa Dharavandhoo Airport, insisting no such project has been approved.
In a post on X, Minister Ameen said there were no plans to carry out reclamation to extend the runway. Instead, the government’s immediate focus is on upgrading airport facilities and improving terminal infrastructure to enhance passenger experience and operational efficiency.
“The main objectives of these works are to improve passenger services, accelerate the pace of airport operations and enhance service quality, as well as make maximum use of existing facilities,” the Transport Ministry said in a statement issued later.
Minister Ameen said claims that reclamation work had begun, or that permission had been granted to expand the runway, were unfounded.
Construction Minister Abdulla Muththalib also addressed the speculation on social media, noting that while a preliminary concept for a Dharavandhoo land reclamation project was discussed in the middle of last year, no such project has been approved.
He said the Dharavandhoo council would be formally notified if a decision were made to proceed.
“To clarify further, there is no approved project, no signed contract and no decision on how to proceed,” he said.
