Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has completed the bund wall and begun reclaiming land for the airport development project in Magoodhoo, Faafu Atoll.
In October, the Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure contracted MTCC to develop an airport in Magoodhoo within 18 months at a cost of USD15 million. The state-owned company is tasked with developing the domestic airport under a design and build policy.
As per the agreement, MTCC will develop the airport with a 1,500m long and 30m wide runway along with a taxiway, apron, fire pad, fire station, passenger terminal, and control tower. Other works include installing fences, gateways, security checkpoints, as well as navigational and meteorological equipment, and ground handling equipment.
MTCC will be reclaiming 48 hectares of land, which includes 30.8 hectares for the development of the airport and an additional 17 hectares for social and economic use, while 3,300m will be designated an environmentally protected area.
Faafu Atoll is one of the few atolls without a domestic airport. The atoll consists of 19 islands, out of which five are inhabited, and has one resort with five more under development. The development of Magoodhoo Airport is expected to have a significant positive economic impact on the 800 residents of Magoodhoo and the surrounding region by increasing tourist visits.