Maldives Airports Company Ltd. (MACL) has initiated the redevelopment of the former runway at Velana International Airport (VIA), marking a pivotal step in its effort to elevate safety protocols, enhance operational security, and optimise efficiency. The project, undertaken by China's Beijing Urban Construction Group (BUCG), forms a critical component of the 20-year airport development masterplan championed by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. This agreement was formalised on October 24, 2024.
This redevelopment exemplifies the government's steadfast commitment to modernising the nation's primary international gateway. Speaking at a ceremony at Hulhulé Island Hotel to commemorate the project's launch, Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed, the Managing Director of MACL, underscored President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's decisive leadership in advancing this strategic initiative.
The runway, originally spanning 3,200 metres, ceased operations in 2022 following the inauguration of the new Code-F runway and has since served as a taxiway. Under the current redevelopment plans, the strip is poised to become a critical backup, according to Mohamed, capable of functioning as an emergency runway. He highlighted that this enhancement will fortify the airport's safety and security measures.
Beyond bolstering emergency preparedness, the redevelopment is expected to streamline daily operations. The enhanced runway, Mohamed said, will reduce the average turnaround time for commercial airlines by approximately 20 minutes. This operational efficiency is projected to elevate passenger experience while supporting the airport's expanding capacity. "We are actively coordinating with airline partners to minimise disruptions to ongoing operations during the construction process," Mohamed affirmed.
Additional infrastructure developments are set to amplify the airport's operational capacity, with the completion of the Taxiway Charlie project playing a vital role. Mohamed noted that this expansion will further reduce flight turnaround times, expediting services to meet growing demand.
Reflecting on MACL's collaboration with BUCG, Mohamed expressed confidence in the timely and efficient execution of this project, citing the partners’ track record of successful project delivery. This prior successful collaboration, he added, instills confidence in the timely and effective completion of this vital runway redevelopment.