Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure has contracted Big Fish Maldives Private Limited to conduct the land reclamation project for the airport in Makunudhoo in Haa Dhaalu Atoll. The agreement was signed by Permanent Secretary of Planning Ministry Zeeniya Ahmed Hameed and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Big Fish Maldives Shafin Ahmed.
The scope of the project includes the reclamation of 43 hectares of land along with 3,500m of revetment to protect the reclaimed land. The company is contracted to complete the project in 366 days at a cost of USD16 million.
Makunudhoo is located on the western edge of the Maldives and residents have expressed concern over the inadequate means of travel from the island. The government is preparing to develop an airport on the island to solve the issue. The project is part of the government's pledge to have airports accessible within 30 minutes of travel by speedboat from every inhabited island.
Makunudhoo Airport is to be developed with a 1,500m runway on a land plot that will be reclaimed on the southern side of the island. The residents of the island are greatly expecting the completion of the airport which will significantly ease the costs of travel.