President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom on Monday inaugurated the land reclamation and expansion project at Ibrahim Nasir International Airport (INIA).
The project, which is set to expand the airport by 30 percent and allow for additional runway space, will be completed in 2018.
Maldives Airports Company says a 3400-meter long 65-metre wide runway will be developed as part of the 800 million US dollar project, which is contracted to China’s Beijing Urban Construction Group, BUCG.
The project will also see development of a modern cargo complex at the airport.
Speaking to the media after the ceremony, Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed said the land reclamation and runway development work would be conducted together.
He said the Government had already completed several projects to further develop INIA.
MACL’s Managing Director Adil Moosa said “they attach high priority to ensure that the ongoing development projects at the airport do not disrupt services provided for passengers.”
Minister of Economic Development Mohamed Saeed, Managing Director of Maldives Airports Company Adil Moosa, Members of Cabinet, Senior Officials of the Beijing Urban Construction Group and Government Officials attended the inauguration ceremony.