Construction of an international airport on Gaafu Alifu atoll Villingili is expected to begin before the end of November, Civil Aviation Minister Mohamed Ameen said last night.

Speaking on the Ahaa forum, broadcast jointly by the President’s Office and state broadcaster PSM, Minister Ameen said the contractor had been changed and preparations were under way to begin construction.

“Hopefully, the new contractor will be signed and the practical work will start before the end of November,” he said.

Minister Ameen did not identify the new contractor or explain why the previous contract had been cancelled.

On 22 February 2024, NV Basics SA, a Belgian company, was awarded the contract to develop the airport. The company was involved in the construction of Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building.

The airport is a presidential pledge made by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu during his election campaign. After the election, President Muizzu unveiled the project’s design and signed a memorandum of understanding with the contractor during a visit to Villingili.

The wider development plan includes investments intended to promote tourism in Gaafu Alifu atoll. A government video presentation released at the time put the investment at between USD500 million and USD750 million.

The government has said at the time that the airport will have a 3,400-metre runway, alongside a helipad and a yacht marina. The plan also includes the development of 17 resorts, each with a capacity of 5,000 beds, to boost tourism in the atoll.