Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has commenced the project to extend the west apron of Velana International Airport (VIA). The 80,000 square meter west apron is expected to increase the capacity of the airport and solve various difficulties faced due to overcrowding of the apron.
Maldives being ranked as one of the top global tourist destinations, the main gate way of the nation, Velana International Airport (VIA) is also ranked amongst the busiest airports in the South Asian region. Under the aim to enhance and extend the services provided at VIA, the administration has been exerting major efforts to tackle the challenges caused by the increasing number of tourist arrivals to the Maldives.
In this regard, the administration has commenced a USD1 billion mega project to develop and expand the services at the airport. Under the mega project an extended runway, an international terminal, a seaplane terminal, a fuel farm and a cargo complex would be established at VIA. The extension of the airport parking space is one of the prime focuses of the project, according to MACL. The company said that it has commenced the project to extend the west apron.
While the north apron of the airport covers a land area of 50,000 square metres, the west apron is planned to be extended to a 80 thousand square metre area. MACL said that the extension of the west apron would double the parking capacity of the airport. MACL expects to complete the project of expanding the west apron within a period of 8 months.
The expansion of the west apron is conducted by China's Beijing Urban Construction Group (BUCG), as part of the mega project to develop and expand the services at VIA.