Shore protection works for the airport project on Haa Dhaalu Makunudhoo have been temporarily suspended following complaints from residents that construction activity was causing houses to shake, Housing Minister Dr Abdulla Muththalib said.

Speaking in Parliament, Minister Muththalib said residents had raised concerns that vibrations from the shore protection works could damage their homes.

As a result, the work has been paused while the government carries out an assessment, he said.

"The work has been suspended for now and an assessment is being conducted following complaints from residents," the minister told Parliament.

Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), which was awarded the land reclamation and shore protection contract in August last year, has completed the reclamation phase and begun shore protection works.

Minister Muththalib said infrastructure works for the airport have also commenced and will continue, adding that the overall project will be completed as soon as possible.

The Makunudhoo airport project was initiated under the previous administration. Initial land reclamation was awarded to fish exporter Big Fish under a cross-subsidy arrangement.

The airport site was reclaimed in the lagoon between the southern part of Makunudhoo and Huraa. The minister did not provide updated details on the extent of reclaimed land or the current progress of the overall project.

Under MTCC's contract, an additional 22 hectares of land will be reclaimed for social development alongside the construction of a 1,800-metre runway.

Once completed, the airport will be operated by the Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL).