The first phase of the Gan International Airport (GIA) development project has begun, after the Exim Bank of India began pre-qualifying contractors for the project.
The project aims to develop GIA to serve 1.5 million passengers per year through the line of credit extended by the bank. The project includes the construction of a new domestic terminal, control tower, fire station, as well as upgrading and renewing the current terminal, duty-free shops, and restaurants. It also includes paving a new path that leads to the airport, as well as installing solar panels. The Ministry of Economic Development stated that fieldwork for the project will begin later this year.
The government has stated the development of Gan International Airport is crucial to the development of the tourism industry and other businesses in the southern region of the Maldives. Delivering his address at the Parliament of the Maldives, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih said national development cannot progress without the development of Addu City and that major development projects are ongoing in the city through the line of credit extended by the Exim Bank of India. The president said the projects include road development with modern drainage systems, development of exclusive tourist destinations and guesthouses, and the reclamation of 237 hectares of land.
The development of Addu is a pledge of President Solih, and his administration aims to make the city the country's southern commercial hub.