MACL signs agreement to develop third airport in Thaa Atoll Guraidhoo

Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has signed an agreement to construct a new airport in Thaa Atoll Guraidhoo, marking the third airport for the atoll.

The agreement was signed last night during President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s tour of Thaa Atoll. Finance Minister Moosa Zameer signed on behalf of the government, while MACL Managing Director Ibrahim Shareef signed on behalf of the company.

Addressing the people, President Muizzu said the Guraidhoo airport will be completed within 22 months and inaugurated on July 26, 2027, to coincide with Independence Day. He also announced that a land reclamation agreement for the island would be signed today.

Guraidhoo Council President Thaufeeq Ali described the project as a long-held dream of the island’s residents, saying President Muizzu has now made it a reality.

Thaa Atoll currently has one operational airport in Thimarafushi, which was opened in 2013 during former President Dr Mohamed Waheed’s administration.

Thimarafushi Airport, developed by MTCC, features a 1,200-metre-long, 30-metre-wide runway, with the project awarded for MVR 32 million.

A second airport is under development in Vilufushi, with reclamation works beginning yesterday.

During his tour, President Muizzu also pledged several new development projects across Thaa Atoll.